Full Breakdown
EU Council President Antonio Costa Engages with Pakistan on Iran Conflict
3/30/2026, 11:08:22 PM
Diplomatic Engagement Amid Escalating Tensions
On March 30, 2026, European Council President Antonio Costa held a significant telephone conversation with Pakistan Prime Minister Shehbaz Sharif, focusing on the ongoing war in Iran and its implications for regional and global stability. Costa described the call as "good," emphasizing the importance of dialogue and diplomacy in resolving the crisis. He expressed the European Union's (EU) grave concerns regarding the prolongation of the conflict and its increasing global impact.
Context of the Iran Conflict
The conversation comes in the wake of heightened tensions following US and Israeli airstrikes that resulted in the assassination of Iran’s Supreme Leader Ayatollah Ali Khamenei and several senior officials. In retaliation, Iran has launched attacks on US military bases across the Gulf, significantly escalating the conflict. This situation has prompted Pakistan to position itself as a mediator, facilitating discussions among key regional players, including Egypt, Saudi Arabia, and Turkey.
Pakistan's Role as a Mediator
During the call, Prime Minister Shehbaz Sharif briefed Costa on Pakistan's ongoing mediation efforts aimed at de-escalating the crisis. Costa endorsed these initiatives, reaffirming the EU's support for diplomatic efforts to restore peace and stability in the Middle East. The Prime Minister highlighted the significance of the Generalized Scheme of Preferences (GSP Plus) and expressed anticipation for the inaugural Pakistan-EU Business Forum scheduled for April 28-29, 2026, in Islamabad.
Official Statements & Responses
Both leaders expressed deep concern over the ongoing hostilities and their impact on the global economy. Costa reiterated that "only dialogue and diplomacy can bring peace and stability back to the Middle East, in full respect of the UN Charter and international law." Sharif echoed this sentiment, stating, "We exchanged views on the ongoing hostilities in the Middle East and agreed that dialogue and diplomacy must prevail to restore regional peace and stability."
Criticism & Opposition
While the EU and Pakistan have positioned themselves as advocates for peace, critics argue that the effectiveness of mediation efforts remains uncertain given the entrenched positions of the involved parties. Some analysts question whether Pakistan can maintain neutrality while facilitating talks between the US and Iran, especially amid accusations of bias from various stakeholders in the region.
What's Next
Looking ahead, Pakistan is preparing to host "meaningful talks" aimed at resolving the conflict in Iran, with expectations of direct negotiations between US and Iranian representatives. The outcome of these discussions could significantly influence regional dynamics and the broader geopolitical landscape.
In summary, the engagement between Antonio Costa and Shehbaz Sharif underscores a collaborative effort to address the escalating crisis in Iran, with both leaders advocating for dialogue as the pathway to peace.
