Iran thanked Pakistan on Thursday for facilitating the repatriation of its nationals from seized vessels while also appreciating the latter’s diplomatic and humanitarian support amid the negotiation process with the United States.

The gestures were expressed in a call between Deputy Prime Minister and Foreign Minister Ishaq Dar and his Iranian counterpart Abbas Araghchi.

According to a statement issued by the Foreign Office, the two leaders exchanged views on recent regional developments and ongoing diplomatic efforts aimed at promoting peace and stability.

“Araghchi briefed FM Dar on his recent visit to China and the consultations held on regional and international issues of mutual interest,” the statement read.

Pakistan on Monday facilitated the transfer of 22 Iranian crew members held aboard the container ship MV Touska, seized by the US.

On February 28, the US and Israel launched a joint offensive on Iran. Iran responded with its own strikes on Israel and the Gulf states that host US bases. US-Israeli strikes on Iran and Israeli attacks in Lebanon have killed thousands of civilians and displaced millions.

The war has been on hold since April 8, when Pakistan mediated a two-week ceasefire. Following the ceasefire, Pakistan hosted the highest-level US-Iran talks since the 1979 Islamic Revolution, which ended without agreement, but the ceasefire held.

Despite the ceasefire, the US began intercepting Iranian ships.

Iran later blocked nearly all ships passing through the Strait of Hormuz apart from its own as US President Donald Trump imposed a separate blockade of Iranian ports.

The closure of the strait, a chokepoint for about 20% of global oil and liquefied natural gas shipments, resulted in a phenomenal rise in global oil prices.