Pakistan’s Prime Minister Shehbaz Sharif discussed the ‘serious situation’ in the Gulf region with Iranian President Masoud Pezeshkian, assuring Iran of Pakistan’s cooperation to help resolve the crisis, according to Al Jazeera. In a message on social media, Sharif said he spoke with Pezeshkian by phone about regional tensions and pledged Pakistan’s support to calm the situation.

Sharif stated that both leaders agreed on the urgent need for dialogue and diplomacy to reduce tensions. The two have spoken several times over the past month, exchanging greetings for Ramadan and Eid while also discussing ways to end ongoing conflicts. Pakistan, which shares a border with Iran and faces its own tensions with Afghanistan, has maintained a cautious diplomatic stance.

The Gulf region’s instability poses a major concern for Pakistan due to potential disruptions in oil and gas supplies. The country also strengthened its long-standing military ties with Saudi Arabia last year through a mutual defense agreement.