Islamabad – “The peace agreement between the US and Iran, which we hope will be respected by all parties involved, is more than a political solution: it embodies humanity’s capacity for reconciliation and the triumph of dialogue over destruction. It is a beacon of hope for peace in the Middle East and the world,” said Archbishop Joseph Arshad of Islamabad-Rawalpindi, President of the National Commission for Justice and Peace of the Pakistani Bishops’ Conference, regarding Pakistan’s role as mediator in the conflict between the United States and Iran. Before being appointed Archbishop of Islamabad-Rawalpindi in 2017, Archbishop Arshad studied at the Pontifical Ecclesiastical Academy in Rome and was the first Pakistani priest to serve in the diplomatic service of the Holy See. Following his service at the Vatican nunciatures in Malta, Sri Lanka, Bangladesh, and Madagascar, the Archbishop has developed a particular understanding of the mechanisms of diplomacy and international mediation. From the perspective of his current post in Pakistan, Archbishop Arshad welcomes the peace agreement signed on June 17, 2026, between the United States and Iran as a “historic milestone in international diplomacy and a beacon of hope for world peace.” Expressing the sentiments of Catholics and the entire Pakistani people, the Prelate thanks the Pakistani government and military leadership “for their constructive role in supporting the negotiations.”
According to Archbishop Arshad, the agreement reached between Washington and Tehran proves that “dialogue, diplomacy, and mutual understanding can overcome confrontation and conflict.” The prelate described the agreement as “an act of courage, responsibility, and moral strength,” emphasizing that it could usher in a new era of stability not only for the Middle East but for the entire international community.
In his statement sent to Fides, the Archbishop expressed his appreciation for Pakistan, which played a mediating role in the talks that culminated in the signing of the Islamabad Memorandum of Understanding: “Pakistan has demonstrated its ability to act as a bridge between nations and as a responsible member of the international community,” he stated, highlighting its contribution to de-escalation and building a climate of trust between the parties. The agreement, which is also supported by other regional actors, paves the way for negotiations on sensitive issues such as the Iranian nuclear program, the easing of sanctions, and the safety of navigation in the Strait of Hormuz. The reopening of this strategically important passage, the Archbishop said, is a key element: “A peaceful and secure Strait of Hormuz will help restore confidence in the markets, reduce pressure on oil prices, and support the global economy, especially in developing countries and among the most vulnerable populations,” he explained.
Archbishop Arshad welcomed the agreement but emphasized that its concrete implementation is the greatest challenge: “The agreement must not remain merely a signed document, but must form the basis for lasting peace and stability,” Archbishop Arshad stated. He expressed his hope for “sincerity, accountability, and continued diplomatic engagement between the parties so that the process yields concrete results, reduces the risk of new escalations, and fosters broader international cooperation.” Furthermore, he highlighted the exemplary value of the agreement for other conflict zones: “This agreement shows us that disputes must be resolved through diplomacy and negotiation, not war. It can and should become a model for other regions of the world.”
As the head of a faith community that frequently engages in dialogue with other religious leaders, Archbishop Arshad emphatically underscores the spiritual dimension of peacebuilding: “Peace,” he reminds us, “is not merely a political condition, but a sacred gift and a sacred responsibility that must be preserved through justice and dialogue.” The prelate recalls the prayer initiatives launched by Pakistani Catholic communities in Islamabad, Lahore, and elsewhere during the negotiations. Last April, Pakistani believers participated in a “prayer marathon for peace” to provide spiritual support for the start of the talks. This spiritual mobilization complemented Pakistan’s diplomatic efforts, because, as Archbishop Arshad states, “material and spiritual action go hand in hand.” “We now pray that this agreement will mark a turning point, a new beginning for the Middle East, and a renewed symbol of hope for the entire world,” the Archbishop concluded. In the coming months, the international community’s attention will focus on the implementation of the commitments made by the parties. For Archbishop Arshad, the true success of the agreement lies in its ability to “guarantee lasting peace, security for civilians, and new opportunities for development and cooperation among peoples.”
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