Iran and Pakistan Leaders Discuss Persian Gulf Tensions

Iranian President Ebrahim Raisi and Pakistani Prime Minister Shehbaz Sharif held a phone conversation to discuss the situation in the Persian Gulf. According to RTHK, Prime Minister Sharif emphasized the severe conditions in the region and both leaders agreed on the urgent need for de-escalation, dialogue, and diplomatic efforts. Sharif also highlighted the importance of unity within the Islamic world and reiterated Pakistan's commitment to playing a constructive role in promoting regional peace. Meanwhile, a U.S. news website cited Israeli officials reporting that several countries are attempting to coordinate a meeting later this week in Islamabad, Pakistan, involving Iran's Islamic Consultative Assembly Speaker Mohammad Bagher Ghalibaf, U.S. President Donald Trump's envoy Avi Berkowitz, Trump's son-in-law Jared Kushner, and Vice President Mike Pence. However, Ghalibaf denied any negotiations with the U.S., accusing them of spreading false news to manipulate financial and oil markets.