Rick Scott

Scott's remarks came amid reports that Pakistan is being considered to host the next round of technical-level negotiations between US and Iranian officials following the recent ceasefire understanding between Washington and Tehran.

"We need to remember who Pakistan really is in the middle of all this.

"We’re talking about a country where bin Laden hid out for a decade, where they selectively enforce lopsided blasphemy laws to persecute Christians, and where the Prime Minister just praised the genocidal mass murdering tyrant that used to run Iran.

"He was a great scholar and leader who showed resilience, courage, patience and vision, and served Iran with utmost dedication and unwavering commitment. Millions of Muslims around the globe will remember him," Sharif said.

Highlighting ties between the neighbouring countries, he added: "Pakistan and Iran are two brotherly countries, and our hearts beat together. We will stand together, and we shall march together under all circumstances."

The remarks drew criticism from several US conservatives, including Fox News commentator Mark Levin, who posted on X: "THIS CLOWN WAS ONE OF OUR MEDIATORS WITH IRAN! It seems unimaginable. Let’s get our act together, America."

"It has been apparent to me for quite a while that Pakistan as a mediator is more than problematic. Their animosity towards Israel is long standing. It is undeniable that Iranian military aircraft are being housed on Pakistani air bases and past rhetoric from the highest Pakistani officials against Israel is disturbing," Graham wrote on X.

Referring to Pakistan's position on the Abraham Accords, he added: "As to the defense minister’s comments about the Abraham Accords, saying that Pakistan would never join because they don’t trust Israel: The clip may be a year old, but I fear the sentiment is fresh. In that regard, it is imperative that Pakistan give an answer now to President Trump’s call to join the Abraham Accords."