Pakistani, Lebanese premiers urge ‘de-escalation’ amid Mideast crisis

KARACHI, Pakistan

Pakistani and Lebanese prime ministers on Wednesday called for “de-escalation” and the “restoration of peace” in the Middle East following the US-Israeli offensive on Iran and Tehran’s retaliatory attacks.

The call was made during a telephone conversation between Pakistan's Prime Minister Shehbaz Sharif and his Lebanese counterpart Nawaf Salam, according to a statement from Sharif's office.

During their discussion, Sharif condemned, in the "strongest terms," Israel’s aggression against Lebanon and conveyed “deep condolences” over the loss of lives due to Tel Aviv's attacks.

Reaffirming solidarity with the Lebanese people, he assured the Lebanese leadership of Pakistan's full support for Lebanon’s sovereignty and territorial integrity and offered to play a constructive role in peace efforts.

The two leaders also exchanged views on the recent escalation in the region following Israel’s attacks on Iran and subsequent retaliatory strikes on Gulf countries.

Salam thanked Sharif and the people of Pakistan for their expression of solidarity with Lebanon at "this difficult time."

Since Saturday, joint US-Israeli strikes have killed several senior Iranian officials, including Supreme Leader Ayatollah Ali Khamenei.

Tehran has responded with drone and missile attacks targeting US-linked sites in Gulf countries.