KARACHI, Pakistan

Pakistan's Prime Minister Sharif on Saturday held talks with Iranian President Masoud Pezeshkian to discuss ongoing mediatory efforts to end the ongoing Middle East conflict, an official statement said.

In over an hour-long phone call – second in recent days – Sharif apprised Pezeshkian about Pakistan’s ongoing diplomatic outreach, engaging the US and "brotherly" Gulf and Islamic countries to facilitate dialogue and de-escalation, said a statement from Sharif's office.

The prime minister reiterated Pakistan’s "strong" condemnation of the continued Israeli attacks on Iran, including recent strikes on civilian infrastructure, and conveyed Islamabad's solidarity with the "brave" people of Iran.

"Expressed, once again, my condolences on the tragic loss of precious lives and prayed for the swift recovery of the injured and displaced," he further said.

Sharif also thanked the Iranian president for his appreciation of Pakistan’s sincere efforts to advance peace and facilitate dialogue in the region.

Pakistan has confirmed its direct role in relaying messages between the US and Iran towards ending the war in the Middle East.

Earlier, sources in Islamabad told Anadolu that this week was crucial in any possible breakthrough on talks between Washington and Tehran.

The US and Israel have maintained airstrikes on Iran since Feb. 28, killing so far over 1,340 people, including then-Supreme Leader Ali Khamenei.

Iran has retaliated with drone and missile strikes targeting Israel, along with Jordan, Iraq, and Gulf countries hosting US military assets, causing casualties and damage to infrastructure while disrupting global markets and aviation.