Leaders discuss regional developments, stressing stability, cooperation and continued diplomatic coordination
A combination picture of Prime Minister Shehbaz Sharif and Iranian President Masoud Pezeshkian. PHOTOS: FILE
ISLAMABAD:
Prime Minister Shehbaz Sharif and Iranian President Masoud Pezeshkian discussed the prevailing regional situation in a phone call on Wednesday, according to an official statement.
During the call, PM Shehbaz expressed concern over the recent tensions in the region and stressed that Pakistan considers diplomatic efforts and dialogue essential for ensuring peace, stability, and de-escalation. He emphasised that all parties must demonstrate restraint and responsibility to prevent further deterioration of the situation.
The prime minister also highlighted that Pakistan attaches great importance to its historic, religious, and cultural ties with Iran and seeks to further strengthen bilateral cooperation between the two countries. He reaffirmed Pakistan’s commitment to enhancing engagement and cooperation with Iran at all levels.
President Pezeshkian, in turn, expressed Iran’s resolve to further strengthen relations with Pakistan and said the two countries should work together to promote peace and stability in the region. He also briefed the prime minister on Iran’s position regarding recent regional developments.
Both leaders agreed to maintain close contact and consultations in view of the evolving regional situation to advance shared goals of peace, stability, and development. They also agreed to expand cooperation in various sectors and continue high-level engagements between the two countries.
A day earlier, PM Shehbaz congratulated Iran’s new Supreme Leader Mojtaba Khamenei following his assumption of leadership after the assassination of his father, Ali Khamenei, while also expressing condolences over Ali Khamenei’s death.
In his letter, released by the Prime Minister’s Office, Shehbaz conveyed hope that the new leader would guide Iran toward “peace, stability, dignity and prosperity” and reaffirmed Pakistan’s commitment to strengthening bilateral cooperation.
President Asif Ali Zardari also extended his good wishes to Mojtaba. The gesture was followed on March 11 by a telephone call between Prime Minister Shehbaz and Mojtaba Khamenei, during which the leaders discussed the prevailing regional situation and reaffirmed the importance of continued diplomatic engagement between Pakistan and Iran.
The war began last month when the US and Israel launched coordinated strikes on Iran, an attack that killed Iran’s long-time Supreme Leader Ali Khamenei. The escalation quickly transformed into a broader regional conflict as Tehran vowed retaliation and began launching missile and drone attacks against Israeli targets and locations linked to US forces across the Middle East.
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On Wednesday, Iran launched fresh missile and drone strikes targeting Israeli cities and Gulf infrastructure, including a Saudi oilfield. Explosions were reported in Doha as air defence systems intercepted Iranian missiles, while Israel responded with heavy attacks across Lebanon, killing at least 16 and wounding dozens in Beirut and southern regions. Iranian forces also targeted Bahrain and Iraqi Kurdistan, both regions with a heavy US military presence.
The conflict has sent global energy markets into turmoil. The International Energy Agency is reportedly preparing its largest-ever release of oil reserves, while G7 nations plan to meet by video conference to address surging fuel costs and economic instability.
Iranian threats effectively closed the Strait of Hormuz, through which one-fifth of the world’s oil passes. The US military destroyed 16 Iranian minelaying vessels in the strait, aiming to secure energy shipping routes and prevent further disruption.
Civilian life across the region remains under extreme strain. In Tehran, residents reported distress over constant bombings, even where ordinary buildings were not targeted.
Gulf nations, including the UAE and Qatar, experienced attacks on critical energy infrastructure, forcing temporary refinery shutdowns and suspending LNG exports, driving global oil prices higher.
The United Nations warned that rising fuel and food costs are affecting the world’s most vulnerable populations, with countries like Egypt reporting up to 30% increases in fuel prices, further intensifying economic hardship.
