TEHRAN – Iran's acting President Mohammad Mokhber has urged Muslim nations to unite in an effort to halt the Israeli regime’s ongoing actions in the besieged Gaza Strip.

Mokhber made these remarks during a phone conversation with Pakistan’s Prime Minister Shehbaz Sharif on Sunday.

In the discussion, Mokhber commended the Pakistani public’s strong support for Palestinians and the Pakistani government’s firm stance against the Zionist regime’s activities in Gaza. He emphasized the necessity for a united front among Muslim countries to stop the continued aggression in Gaza.

Israel launched the offensive against Gaza, targeting hospitals, homes, and places of worship, following a surprise attack by Palestinian resistance movements, named Operation Al-Aqsa Storm, on October 7. The operation came as an answer to years of Israeli crimes in the occupied territories. 

Mokhber criticized war, violence, and terrorism as remnants of the world's oppressive powers inflicted upon the vulnerable, urging Muslim nations to collaborate in eradicating this detrimental legacy from their regions.

He also highlighted the agreements made between Tehran and Islamabad during the late Iranian President Ebrahim Raisi’s visit to Pakistan. 

Notably, Mokhber pointed out the commitment to increasing trade and economic exchanges to $10 billion annually, expressing hope that this goal would be achieved through concerted efforts and the removal of trade barriers.

Mokhber reiterated Iran’s view of Pakistan as a strategic partner and stressed the determination of both countries’ leaders to enhance bilateral relations in political, economic, and cultural areas.

Prime Minister Shehbaz Sharif echoed these sentiments, describing the relationship between Iran and Pakistan as long-standing and rooted in deep cultural and religious ties. He noted that late Raisi’s visit marked a new chapter in bilateral relations and affirmed Islamabad’s commitment to implementing the agreements made during that visit, including boosting trade to $10 billion.

Late President Raisi’s visit to Pakistan on April 22 aimed to strengthen security and trade ties and was part of a regional tour that also included Sri Lanka. 

President Raisi, Foreign Minister Amir Abdollahian and six others died on May 19, when their helicopter crashed in foggy weather in the mountains near the northwestern border with Azerbaijan.

The helicopter carrying Raisi and his entourage was on its way to Tabriz, the capital of East Azerbaijan, from a location on the border with the Republic of Azerbaijan where the Iranian president had opened a major dam project.

Rescuers found the wreckage of the helicopter early on Monday after hours of extensive search which involved more than 70 teams.