Abu dhabi: The vice president of the United Arab Emirates held discussions on Wednesday with Iran's parliament speaker regarding de-escalation efforts, as reported by the state news agency WAM.

According to Anadolu Agency, the discussions between Sheikh Mansour bin Zayed Al Nahyan and Mohammad Bagher Qalibaf took place over the phone. The conversation focused on regional developments and strategies to reduce tensions in the area.

Tensions in the region have been heightened following a joint offensive by the US and Israel against Iran on February 28, resulting in the deaths of more than 3,300 individuals, including the then-Supreme Leader Ayatollah Ali Khamenei. In response, Iran has launched drone and missile attacks targeting Israel, Jordan, Iraq, and Gulf countries housing US military assets. They also imposed restrictions on the Strait of Hormuz before a ceasefire was announced last week.

Efforts to resolve the conflict included rare direct talks between the US and Iran in Pakistan over the weekend. However, these talks concluded early on Sunday without reaching an agreement.