Iranian FM In Pakistan For Talks Including Yemen

Iranian Foreign Minister Mohammad Javad Zarif arrived in Islamabad on April 8 for talks expected to include the situation in Yemen where a Saudi-led coalition is launching airstrikes targeting Shiite Huthi rebels.

He is expected to meet Pakistani Prime Minister Nawaz Sharif on April 9.

Sharif has said Iran should be involved in talks to end the conflict in Yemen.

Pakistan's parliament has been debating whether the country should accept a request by ally Saudi Arabia to contribute military aircraft, warships, and ground troops to the coalition.

Several Arab countries have accused Iran of using the Yemeni conflict to expand its influence in the region by allying itself with the Huthis, a charge it denies.

Zarif had a brief stopover in Oman, where he discussed “the humanitarian plight in Yemen and regional developments” with Omani authorities, according to the Iranian foreign ministry.

Based on reporting by dawn.com and Reuters