Updated

Pakistan's prime minister has offered to host talks between Iran and Saudi Arabia aimed at resolving disputes between the Middle Eastern rivals.

Nawaz Sharif met Iranian President Hassan Rouhani on Tuesday in Tehran, and a day earlier met Saudi Arabia's King Salman in Riyadh. After his meeting with Rouhani, Sharif told reporters that Iran had expressed an interest in improving relations with Saudi Arabia and would appoint a focal person for future talks.

Sharif said he would speak to Saudi Arabia to encourage the appointment of a focal person.

Tensions between the two countries rose after Saudi Arabia executed a prominent Shiite cleric on Jan 2. Angry crowds in Iran stormed the Saudi embassy, and Riyadh severed diplomatic relations with Tehran in protest.