Leaders discuss regional developments, emphasizing stability, cooperation and continued diplomatic coordination
A combined photo of Prime Minister Shehbaz Sharif and Iranian President Masoud Pezeshkian. PHOTOS: FILE
Prime Minister Shehbaz Sharif and Iranian President Masoud Pezeshkian discussed the current regional situation in a telephone conversation on Wednesday, according to an official statement.
The discussion focused on recent developments in the region and other issues of common concern, with the two leaders exchanging views on maintaining stability and cooperation. They also reaffirmed the importance of continued diplomatic engagement and coordination between Pakistan and Iran.
A day earlier, Prime Minister Shehbaz congratulated Iran’s new Supreme Leader Mojtaba Khamenei upon his rise to power following the assassination of his father, Ali Khamenei, while also expressing condolences over the death of Ali Khamenei.
In his letter, released by the Prime Minister’s Office, Shehbaz expressed hope that the new leader would guide Iran towards “peace, stability, dignity and prosperity” and reaffirmed Pakistan’s commitment to strengthening bilateral cooperation.
President Asif Ali Zardari also extended his best wishes to Mojtaba. This gesture was followed on March 11 by a telephone call between Prime Minister Shehbaz and Mojtaba Khamenei, during which the leaders discussed the current regional situation and reaffirmed the importance of continued diplomatic engagement between Pakistan and Iran.
The war began last month when the United States and Israel launched coordinated strikes against Iran, an attack that killed longtime Iranian Supreme Leader Ali Khamenei. The escalation quickly escalated into a broader regional conflict as Tehran vowed to retaliate and began launching missile and drone attacks against Israeli targets and locations linked to U.S. forces in the Middle East.
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On Wednesday, Iran launched new missile and drone strikes targeting Israeli cities and Gulf infrastructure, including a Saudi oil field. Explosions were reported in Doha when air defense systems intercepted Iranian missiles, while Israel responded with heavy attacks across Lebanon, killing at least 16 people and injuring dozens in Beirut and southern regions. Iranian forces have also targeted Bahrain and Iraqi Kurdistan, two regions where the US military presence is significant.
The conflict has thrown global energy markets into turmoil. The International Energy Agency is reportedly preparing the largest release of oil reserves ever, while G7 countries plan to meet via video conference to address rising fuel prices and economic instability.
Iranian threats have effectively closed the Strait of Hormuz, through which a fifth of the world’s oil passes. The US military destroyed 16 Iranian mine-laying ships in the strait, aiming to secure energy transport routes and avoid further disruption.
Civilian life throughout the region remains extremely tense. In Tehran, residents expressed distress over constant shelling, even where ordinary buildings were not targeted.
Gulf countries including the United Arab Emirates and Qatar have suffered attacks on critical energy infrastructure, forcing temporary refinery closures and suspending LNG exports, leading to a rise in global oil prices.
The United Nations has warned that rising fuel and food prices are affecting the world’s most vulnerable populations, with countries such as Egypt reporting increases in fuel prices of up to 30%, further intensifying economic hardship.
