The key facts

  • Pezeshkian met with Iraqi President Rashid and Pakistani Prime Minister Sharif on the sidelines of COP31 in Antalya
  • Pakistan previously acted as a mediator between Tehran and Washington, while Iraq proposed a regional diplomatic mission
  • The Iran–US conflict began with the American-Israeli strikes on February 28

Bilateral Meetings on the Sidelines of the Climate Summit

Iranian President Masoud Pezeshkian held separate meetings on Wednesday with Iraqi President Abdul Latif Rashid and Pakistani Prime Minister Shehbaz Sharif on the sidelines of the UN climate summit COP31, taking place in Antalya, Turkey.

What the Parties Discussed

During the meeting with Rashid, the parties discussed bilateral relations and emphasized the need to strengthen constructive engagement and expand cooperation in various fields, according to a statement from the Iranian presidency. In talks with Sharif, political and economic ties were discussed: both sides noted the importance of increasing trade, deepening regional cooperation, and coordinating in the interests of security and stability.

Context: Mediation in the Iran–US Conflict

The meetings take place against the backdrop of ongoing diplomatic efforts to end the conflict between Iran and the United States, which began with American-Israeli military strikes on Iran on February 28. Pakistan played a key mediating role between Tehran and Washington: in April it hosted talks in Islamabad that opened the way for subsequent diplomatic contacts. Iraq has also intensified its mediation — earlier this month it proposed a regional diplomatic mission to Tehran and Washington to resolve the conflict.

The COP31 Summit

The COP31 summit, hosted by Turkey, is being held in the Mediterranean city of Antalya from November 9 to 20. It brings together heads of state, officials, and climate negotiators; the discussions focus on reducing emissions, adapting to climate change, and climate financing.