CAIRO, March 23 (Xinhua) -- Iranian President Masoud Pezeshkian spoke by phone with Pakistani Prime Minister Shehbaz Sharif on Monday and reaffirmed Tehran's commitment to regional cooperation, Iran's Tasnim news agency reported.

Pezeshkian said Iran had not initiated the ongoing conflict with the United States and Israel and described defending Iranian territory as a "natural right," according to the report.

He said Tehran remained committed to regional stability, opposed foreign interference, and urged neighboring countries not to allow their territory or facilities to be used for attacks against Iran, warning such actions could fuel further instability.

Pezeshkian attributed disruptions to shipping in the Strait of Hormuz to the conflict, saying Iran had taken steps to ensure maritime security and would facilitate passage for vessels not linked to the "aggressors."

Sharif expressed concern over the escalation and offered condolences over reported casualties, according to Tasnim. He called for collective efforts, particularly among Muslim-majority countries, to ease tensions and restore stability. Sharif said Pakistan supported Iran's right to self-defense and reaffirmed Islamabad's backing for the Iranian government and people, Tasnim reported.

Pakistani media separately quoted Sharif as expressing solidarity with the Iranian people, offering condolences for those killed and wishing a swift recovery for the injured.