Jeddah: Pakistan's Prime Minister Shehbaz Sharif has expressed his nation's 'full solidarity and support' for Saudi Arabia during a meeting with Crown Prince Mohammed bin Salman in Jeddah. This commitment was articulated through an official statement following Sharif's arrival in the Saudi city, which came a day after his phone conversation with Iranian President Masoud Pezeshkian amidst escalating regional tensions.

According to Anadolu Agency, Sharif and the crown prince engaged in a restricted meeting where they conducted an 'in-depth exchange of views' on regional developments. Mosharraf Zaidi, a spokesman for the Pakistani prime minister, mentioned that both leaders agreed to collaborate for peace and stability in the region. Sharif emphasized that 'Pakistan would always stand firmly with the Kingdom of Saudi Arabia and strive for their mutual desire for peace in the region.'

This meeting comes in the backdrop of a mutual defense pact signed between Pakistan and Saudi Arabia in September, which stipulates that an attack on one nation would be perceived as an attack on both. The regional tensions have intensified with Iran targeting Israel and US-linked bases in Jordan, Iraq, and Gulf countries, as the US and Israel continue their military operations against Iran. These actions have resulted in approximately 1,300 casualties, including the death of Iran's Supreme Leader Ali Khamenei.

During his recent phone conversation with Sharif, the Iranian president asserted that the only resolution to the ongoing conflict involving the US, Israel, and Iran is through acknowledgment of Iran's 'legitimate rights' and securing firm international guarantees against 'future aggression.'