Pakistani Prime Minister Shehbaz Sharif spoke by phone with Iranian President Masoud Pezeshkian on Saturday. He updated him on diplomatic efforts.
According to a statement from the Prime Minister’s Office, their conversation lasted over an hour. They discussed the ongoing regional tensions and efforts to restore peace.
The statement said that Sharif informed the Iranian president about diplomatic contacts made by himself, the Deputy Prime Minister, and Field Marshal Asim Munir. These efforts aim to encourage the United States, Gulf states, and Islamic countries to create a beneficial atmosphere for negotiations.
The Prime Minister strongly condemned Israel’s ongoing attacks on Iran, especially the recent strikes on civilian infrastructure. He expressed Pakistan’s support for the resilient Iranian people during these tough times and offered condolences for the more than 1,900 reported deaths. The Prime Minister’s Office said that Sharif also briefed President Pezeshkian on Pakistan’s peace initiatives. He expressed hope that a practical collective approach could be found to reduce tensions.
In response, the Iranian president appreciated Pakistan’s genuine diplomatic efforts. He shared Iran’s stance on Israeli actions against the country. President Pezeshkian highlighted the need for trust-building measures to facilitate dialogue and mediation, praising Pakistan’s role in this.
Abu Dhabi’s Media Office reported that five people were injured and fires erupted at two sites after debris from an intercepted ballistic missile fell in the area.
Authorities are working to control fires near the Khalifa Economic Zones Abu Dhabi (KEZAD), part of the AD Ports Group’s economic cities and free zones.
The Israeli military reported that Yemen fired a missile toward Israel on Saturday morning.
According to the Associated Press, this is the first attack on Israel from Yemen during the current conflict with Iran.
Sirens sounded for the third time overnight between Friday and Saturday in Beersheba and close to Israel’s main nuclear research center as Iran and Hezbollah continued to fire throughout the night. Iran-backed Houthi rebels, who have controlled Yemen’s capital Sanaa since 2014, did not immediately take responsibility for the attack.
The Houthis had not previously joined this conflict, although they have carried out drone attacks on Israel in the past. Israel warned Iran on Friday that it would expand and intensify its operations, just hours before an attack on Iranian nuclear sites.
UN Secretary-General António Guterres has set up an inter-agency task force to ensure the delivery of fertilizer through the Strait of Hormuz. The announcement was made on Friday by the Secretary-General’s spokesperson, Stéphane Dujarric.
Dujarric stated that, given the ongoing conflict in the Middle East and concerns about further escalation, there is a risk of disruption to maritime trade through the Strait of Hormuz. Such disruptions could negatively impact humanitarian needs and agricultural production in the coming months.
Iran attacked a base in Saudi Arabia, injuring several US personnel and damaging aircraft. Two US officials familiar with the situation said that at least ten American soldiers were hurt in the Iranian strike on Prince Sultan Air Base. Two of the injured are reported to be in serious condition. The officials spoke on the condition of anonymity due to the sensitive nature of the matter. Several refueling aircraft were also impacted.