PM Shehbaz, Iranian President Reject Reports Linking Missile Programme to Islamabad MoU

ISLAMABAD, June 23: Prime Minister Muhammad Shehbaz Sharif and Iranian President Dr. Masoud Pezeshkian on Tuesday categorically rejected reports that Iran’s ballistic missile programme was discussed as part of the Islamabad Memorandum of Understanding (MoU).

Addressing a joint press stakeout after delegation-level talks, PM Shehbaz said ballistic missiles were “never on the table” during negotiations between Iran and the United States and were not included in the agreement. President Pezeshkian also clarified that Iran’s missile capability was solely for national defence and had never been part of the peace talks.

The two leaders reaffirmed their commitment to protecting the historic Islamabad MoU from “spoilers” seeking to undermine regional peace and stability. PM Shehbaz said Pakistan and Iran would stand as an “iron wall” against misinformation and efforts aimed at derailing the peace process.

Both sides also agreed to strengthen bilateral cooperation, expand trade ties and work jointly for regional peace and prosperity.

According to reports from Tuesday’s press conference, PM Shehbaz specifically stated that Iran’s ballistic missile programme was not discussed, not included in the MoU, and never part of the negotiations. President Pezeshkian also said Iran’s missile capability is a sovereign defence matter and was not on the agenda.