Pakistan to become intermediary between Tehran and Riyadh

Pakistan and Iran have agreed to appoint focal persons to defuse tensions between Iran and Saudi Arabia, Pakistani Prime Minister Nawaz Sharif said.

"We call for boosting ties and we do not welcome tension, on condition that Muslims’ rights are respected and regional states are dignified," Iranian President Hassan Rouhani said yesterday during talks on the Iranian-Saudi crisis.

Nawaz Sharif has proposed that Pakistan is ready to host possible talks between Tehran and Riyadh.

"Saudi officials have told me that they do not consider Iran as an enemy. I heard the same thing from the Iranian leadership about Saudi Arabia," the head of the Pakistani Cabinet noted.

Saudi Arabia announced the severing of diplomatic relations with Iran on January 3rd.