IRNA � Pakistan once again has repeated the idea of mediation between Iran and Saudi Arabia, saying Islamabad is ready to help defuse tensions between Tehran and Riyadh.


Talking to a private news channel, Nafees Zakaria said Pakistan has great importance in the region and rendered supreme sacrifices in the war against terrorism.

He said the world leaders have also acknowledged Pakistan's contributions and sacrifices against terrorism.

Earlier Foreign Secretary of Pakistan Tehmina Janjua briefing the parliamentarians had said Pakistan is trying to reduce tensions between Iran and Saudi Arabia.

Almost two years ago Pakistan had also tried to mediate between Iran and Saudi Arabia and Prime Minister Nawaz Sharif and the then Army Chief General Raheel Sharif traveled to Riyadh and Tehran together in an attempt to bring the two countries close to each other.

Since the tensions started between Iran and Saudi Arabia, Pakistan has repeatedly announced the idea of mediation. Pakistan is also the member of Saudi-led military coalition with its retired general heading the alliance.

Pakistan�s initiative was welcomed by Iran but Riyadh was not ready to take any practical step in order to help Pakistan�s initiative to come to a positive conclusion.