Shehbaz, Pezeshkian discuss escalating regional tensions

Prime Minister Shehbaz Sharif and Iranian President Masoud Pezeshkian have discussed the evolving regional situation and stressed the importance of diplomatic efforts to prevent further escalation.

The two leaders met on the sidelines of the Leaders’ Summit of the UN Climate Change Conference (COP31) in Antalya, Turkiye, on Wednesday.

According to the Prime Minister’s Office, Shehbaz and Pezeshkian reaffirmed the longstanding relations between Pakistan and Iran and exchanged views on the security situation in the region.

The prime minister expressed deep concern over the prolonged conflict and called for dialogue, restraint, de-escalation and sustained diplomatic engagement to achieve lasting peace and stability.

He also stressed the need to maintain the momentum generated by the Islamabad Memorandum of Understanding (MoU) signed in June 2026. Shehbaz reiterated Pakistan’s willingness to play a constructive role in supporting regional peace.

Pezeshkian appreciated Islamabad’s continued diplomatic support and its efforts to promote peace and security in the region.

Meanwhile, Iran has reiterated its opposition to transferring enriched nuclear material outside the country. Iranian security chief Mohsen Rezaei said Tehran would not permit even a single particle of its enriched nuclear material to leave the country.

His remarks came as Washington maintained that Iran’s nuclear programme must be included in any initial negotiations aimed at ending the conflict.

Iranian Foreign Minister Abbas Araghchi also criticised US Secretary of State Marco Rubio over Washington’s policy towards Tehran. He accused American officials of repeating failed approaches and using economic pressure to force Iran into accepting US demands.

In a separate statement, Iranian President Pezeshkian questioned Washington’s claims about pursuing diplomacy while simultaneously issuing military threats against his country. He criticised the use of powerful weapons against Iran and said such threats undermined international peace and security.

Iran’s military leadership also issued a fresh warning to Washington and Tel Aviv. Armed Forces Chief of Staff Major General Ali Abdollahi said any location considered a threat to Iran could become a target for asymmetric military operations.

He warned that further miscalculations by the United States and Israel would trigger more devastating Iranian strikes.

Tensions also spread across the Gulf’s vital shipping routes after a projectile struck a Liberia-flagged oil tanker carrying Indian sailors.

Indian Shipping Minister Sarbananda Sonowal said the vessel, MT Fujairah Energy, was hit on November 10 while travelling towards Dubai. Four crew members, including one Indian national, were injured, while the remaining 18 sailors were reported safe.

India said it was monitoring the situation and remained in contact with the shipping company to ensure the crew received medical assistance and necessary protection.

In another maritime incident, an oil tanker caught fire in the eastern Strait of Hormuz after hitting a naval mine in a restricted area, according to Iran’s military. The incident was reported on Wednesday, although the condition of the crew, extent of the damage and possible environmental impact remained unclear.

The UK Maritime Trade Operations (UKMTO) had earlier reported an incident involving a tanker approximately 19 nautical miles northeast of Limah, Oman. It said the vessel had been struck by an unidentified projectile and its crew were safe.

Separately, Abu Dhabi National Oil Company (ADNOC) Logistics and Services reported that one of its vessels sustained damage in an attack in the United Arab Emirates’ territorial waters on Tuesday.

The escalating maritime tensions have heightened concerns over commercial shipping and energy supplies through the Strait of Hormuz, a critical international route for oil transportation.

Meanwhile, US Treasury Secretary Scott Bessent has reportedly moved from his Washington residence to a military base following threats attributed to Iran, according to people familiar with the matter.

The New York Times first reported the relocation, while a senior US intelligence official had previously warned that alleged Iranian plots targeting American personnel and citizens had reached an advanced stage.

Bessent has been overseeing Washington’s economic pressure campaign against Tehran, known as Operation Economic Outcast, launched in August. The campaign includes sanctions against financial institutions and businesses accused of facilitating transactions with Iran.

A US Treasury spokesperson said Bessent would not be deterred by threats and remained committed to enforcing sanctions and maintaining the naval blockade of Iranian ports.