Iran Press/ Asia: Pakistan Prime Minister Imran Khan will leave for Tehran on Saturday for his second official visit to the Islamic Republic of Iran as part of Islamabad's efforts to defuse the increasing tensions in the Middle East.
Pakistani officials announced that Imran Khan would first travel to the Islamic Republic of Iran to meet and hold talks with the country's President Hassan Rouhani and he would later travel to Riyadh for meeting with the Saudi leadership, DawnNews reported.
The mediation initiative is being taken at the request of Saudi Arabia. Crown Prince Mohammad bin Salman had asked him to help defuse tensions with Iran as Saudi Arabia wanted to avoid war.
Iranians have expressed their readiness to accept the offer, but have made it conditional to the US and other western forces leaving the region.
Tensions have been increasing between Tehran and Riyadh since the missile attacks on Saudi oil facilities last month. Both Saudi Arabia and the US have blamed Iran for the drone strikes, though Tehran has strongly rebutted the charges.
Pakistan traditionally has strong relations with Saudi Arabia but also maintains friendly ties with Iran.
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