Turkish president, Pakistani prime minister discuss Iran ceasefire process

Turkish President Recep Tayyip Erdoğan held on Wednesday a phone call with Pakistani Prime Minister Shehbaz Sharif to discuss the ceasefire process in Iran and recent developments, Türkiye's Communications Directorate said in a statement.

During the call, Erdoğan thanked Sharif for Pakistan's role in the efforts for the truce in the US-Israeli war on Iran.

He said the "two-week peace process should be used effectively" and emphasized that Türkiye will continue to contribute to "lasting peace and stability."

Sharif also expressed appreciation for Ankara's contributions to the ceasefire process.

The leaders exchanged views on the latest developments related to the truce and ongoing diplomatic efforts.

Regional tensions had soared after the US and Israel launched an offensive against Iran on Feb. 28.

Iran retaliated with drone and missile strikes targeting Israel as well as Jordan, Iraq and Gulf countries hosting US military assets. It also restricted the transit of ships through the Strait of Hormuz, a critical waterway for global energy supplies.

With Pakistani mediation, the US and Iran agreed to the ceasefire and talks for a permanent end to the conflict are scheduled in Islamabad on Friday.