Prime Minister Shehbaz Sharif and Saudi Crown Prince Mohammed bin Salman have agreed to maintain close communication and plan a meeting in the near future as regional tensions intensify. This understanding was reached during a telephone conversation between the two leaders on Sunday, as confirmed by the Prime Minister’s Office.

In a significant development the previous day, Saudi Arabia shut down its East-West pipeline following an aerial attack amid the expanding conflict in the Middle East. The pipeline, a crucial artery for oil transport, was temporarily closed as a precaution after a drone strike, which both Baghdad and Riyadh attributed to origins in Iraq.

The 1,200-kilometer (745-mile) pipeline, stretching across the Arabian Peninsula, has been the primary route for Middle Eastern oil exports over the past six months, especially since the Strait of Hormuz has largely been closed due to the ongoing war. It typically transports between 4 million and 5 million barrels daily, representing approximately 4% to 5% of the global oil supply. This has allowed Saudi Arabia to avoid the severe disruptions faced by other Gulf oil and gas exporters.

No group immediately claimed responsibility for the attacks. Satellite imagery revealed black smoke rising from a section of the pipeline south of Medina. The Saudi Foreign Ministry reported some injuries and damage, though it did not specify the extent of the impact on oil exports.

Meanwhile, US President Donald Trump, who was in Ireland for a golf tournament at one of his resorts, suggested that Iran was likely responsible for the attacks. On Saturday, Saudi Civil Defence stated that a projectile fired by the Houthis injured two people in the Jazan region and damaged several buildings, including a mosque.

Saudi Arabia has refrained from retaliating so far, following a request from the Iraqi prime minister, as noted by the Saudi Foreign Ministry.

During their recent phone call, PM Shehbaz Sharif strongly condemned the Houthi attacks targeting Saudi Arabia’s civilian and economic infrastructure. He expressed Pakistan’s full solidarity with the Saudi leadership and people, emphasizing that these actions threaten regional peace and security and risk further disruption to the global economy and energy supplies.

PM Shehbaz also stated that he, along with Field Marshal Syed Asim Munir and Deputy Prime Minister Ishaq Dar, would persist in their efforts to ease tensions and foster peace in the region. He commended the Saudi Crown Prince for his wise and prudent leadership throughout the crisis.

Additionally, PM Shehbaz extended warm wishes and respectful regards to Saudi King Salman bin Abdulaziz Al Saud, the Custodian of the Two Holy Mosques. Crown Prince Mohammed bin Salman acknowledged Pakistan’s unwavering support for Saudi Arabia and its contributions toward promoting regional peace and stability.

The two leaders agreed to stay in close contact and expressed anticipation of meeting each other soon.