NEW YORK, Sept 24: Pakistan remains firmly engaged in diplomatic efforts to mediate an end to the ongoing conflict between Iran and the United States, Prime Minister Shehbaz Sharif said Wednesday, stressing that Islamabad has not lost hope despite recent setbacks.

Speaking to reporters at the United Nations in New York on the sidelines of the 81st UN General Assembly, Shehbaz said Pakistan was acting as a “sincere and honest mediator” between Iran, its neighbour, and the United States.

“Pakistan is completely focused. We have not lost hope; we are absolutely determined that we will further make efforts and make progress to de-escalate the situation,” the prime minister said.

Shehbaz referred to the Islamabad Memorandum of Understanding (MoU), saying it had been signed by him, US President Donald Trump and Iranian President Masoud Pezeshkian as part of efforts to establish a diplomatic pathway toward ending hostilities. The MoU was reached in June amid international efforts to halt the conflict and reduce regional tensions.

However, the Pakistani premier acknowledged that developments following the understanding had become “a bit unpredictable.” Despite this, he said Islamabad remained determined to pursue dialogue and seek further progress toward de-escalation.

Asked whether another direct meeting between the US and Iranian leadership was being planned, Shehbaz described the diplomatic effort as a continuing process, saying that friendly countries were also contributing to efforts aimed at achieving peace.

Pakistan’s latest mediation efforts come as the Iran-US conflict continues to dominate diplomatic discussions at the United Nations.

Islamabad has been urging Washington and Tehran to return to negotiations and maintain diplomatic contacts. Pakistan’s Foreign Office has also said that the Islamabad MoU provides a pathway toward lasting peace and stability, while stressing restraint, dialogue and sustained diplomacy.

Pakistan’s diplomatic outreach has included contacts with Iranian officials and other regional actors. On the sidelines of the UN General Assembly, Deputy Prime Minister and Foreign Minister Ishaq Dar has also participated in consultations with the foreign ministers of Türkiye, Saudi Arabia and Egypt on regional security and diplomatic efforts.

The United Nations has also acknowledged Pakistan’s mediation efforts. UN Secretary-General António Guterres’ spokesperson said Pakistan’s role had been important in efforts to bring Washington and Tehran toward dialogue and an end to the violence.

Meanwhile, Iran has indicated that its delegation in New York has authority to pursue diplomacy, while Iranian officials have conveyed proposals to Washington through mediators. The United States has also indicated openness to further diplomatic engagement, although the precise format and timing of any future talks remain uncertain.

For Islamabad, the renewed diplomatic push reflects its stated objective of preventing further escalation in a conflict with wider implications for regional security, energy supplies and international trade.

Prime Minister Shehbaz’s latest comments signal that Pakistan intends to continue its mediation efforts despite the uncertain political and diplomatic environment, with dialogue and de-escalation remaining at the centre of its approach.