PM Shehbaz and Iranian President reaffirm bilateral cooperation amid Mideast conflict
Both leaders discuss regional development, stressing stability, cooperation and continued diplomatic coordination
Prime Minister Shehbaz Sharif and Iranian President Masoud Pezeshkian discussed the ongoing regional situation in a phone call on Wednesday, according to an official statement.
During the conversation, PM Shehbaz expressed concern over recent tensions and stressed that Pakistan views diplomacy and dialogue as essential for ensuring peace, stability, and de-escalation. He underscored that all parties must exercise restraint and responsibility to prevent the situation from worsening.
The prime minister also highlighted Pakistan’s strong historical, religious, and cultural ties with Iran and expressed the country’s desire to further strengthen bilateral cooperation. He reaffirmed Pakistan’s commitment to expanding engagement with Iran across all levels.
President Pezeshkian, in turn, reiterated Iran’s commitment to deepening relations with Pakistan and emphasized that both nations should work together to promote peace and stability in the region. He also briefed PM Shehbaz on Iran’s stance regarding recent developments.
Both leaders agreed to maintain close contact and consultations to address the evolving regional situation and advance shared goals of peace, stability, and development. They also pledged to expand cooperation in various sectors and continue high-level engagements.
Earlier, PM Shehbaz had congratulated Iran’s new Supreme Leader Mojtaba Khamenei on his ascension following the assassination of his father, Ali Khamenei, while expressing condolences for the late leader’s death. In a letter, released by the Prime Minister’s Office, Shehbaz expressed hope that the new leader would guide Iran toward “peace, stability, dignity, and prosperity” and reaffirmed Pakistan’s commitment to strengthening bilateral ties. Former President Asif Ali Zardari also extended his good wishes to Mojtaba Khamenei.
On March 11, PM Shehbaz held a telephone conversation with Mojtaba Khamenei, during which the leaders discussed the regional situation and emphasized the importance of continued diplomatic engagement between Pakistan and Iran.
The conflict escalated last month after the US and Israel conducted coordinated strikes on Iran, resulting in the death of Supreme Leader Ali Khamenei. The attacks triggered broader regional hostilities, with Tehran launching missile and drone strikes against Israeli targets and locations associated with US forces across the Middle East.
On Wednesday, Iran carried out new missile and drone attacks on Israeli cities and Gulf infrastructure, including a Saudi oilfield. Explosions were reported in Doha as air defence systems intercepted Iranian missiles. Israel responded with heavy attacks across Lebanon, leaving at least 16 dead and many wounded in Beirut and southern regions. Iranian forces also targeted areas in Bahrain and Iraqi Kurdistan, both home to significant US military presence.
The conflict has disrupted global energy markets. The International Energy Agency is reportedly preparing its largest-ever release of oil reserves, while G7 nations plan a video conference to address surging fuel costs and economic instability.
Iranian threats have effectively closed the Strait of Hormuz, a critical route for one-fifth of global oil shipments. In response, the US military destroyed 16 Iranian minelaying vessels in the strait to secure energy shipping routes.
Civilian life in the region remains under severe strain. In Tehran, residents reported growing distress from constant bombardments, even in areas not directly targeted. Gulf nations, including the UAE and Qatar, suffered attacks on key energy infrastructure, forcing temporary refinery shutdowns and halting LNG exports, further driving up global oil prices.
The United Nations warned that rising fuel and food costs are hitting the world’s most vulnerable populations, with countries like Egypt reporting fuel price increases of up to 30%, exacerbating economic hardship.
