By The South Asia Times

ISLAMABAD - Shehbaz Sharif, the prime minister of Pakistan, arrived in Jeddah, Saudi Arabia, on Thursday for a brief official visit as Islamabad intensifies diplomatic efforts to ease rising tensions in the Middle East.

Sharif’s visit comes shortly after a telephone conversation with Masoud Pezeshkian, the president of Iran, during which the two leaders discussed the rapidly evolving regional situation and the need to prevent further escalation.

According to Pakistan’s Prime Minister’s Office, Sharif traveled to the kingdom at the invitation of Saudi Crown Prince Mohammed bin Salman and is expected to hold talks focused on regional security, the ongoing crisis in the Middle East, and bilateral cooperation between the two countries.

The Pakistani leader was received upon arrival at the Royal Terminal of King Abdulaziz International Airport by Prince Saud bin Mishaal bin Abdulaziz, along with Pakistan’s ambassador to Saudi Arabia, Ahmed Farooq, and other diplomatic officials.

Ahead of his visit, Pezeshkian initiated a phone call with Sharif to discuss the regional situation. The Iranian president reiterated Tehran’s commitment to maintaining stability and said Iran had no intention of entering conflicts with neighboring countries.

Pezeshkian also warned that failure by the international community to hold those responsible for conflicts accountable could threaten global security, according to Business Recorder.

“If the international community does not focus on those responsible for war, the global system and security could face serious challenges,” he said.

Sharif, in response, emphasized the importance of diplomacy and restraint to prevent further deterioration of the situation.

“In the current circumstances, all parties should demonstrate restraint and responsibility to avoid escalation,” the Pakistani leader said.

During the conversation, Sharif highlighted the longstanding historical, cultural, and religious ties between Pakistan and Iran and expressed Islamabad’s desire to expand cooperation across multiple sectors.

Both leaders agreed to maintain close communication and consultations aimed at promoting peace, stability, and development in the region.

The call followed a message sent earlier by Sharif to Iran’s newly appointed supreme leader, Mojtaba Khamenei, expressing condolences over the death of Ali Khamenei and conveying sympathy from the Pakistani people to the Iranian nation and the wider Muslim world.

Analysts say the latest diplomatic contacts and Sharif’s visit to Saudi Arabia signal Pakistan’s efforts to play a mediating role as tensions continue to rise across the Middle East.