New Delhi, March 26 -- After Iran's IRGC Navy reportedly turned back the Pakistan-bound container vessel at the Strait of Hormuz, Former Minister of State in the Ministry of External Affairs MJ Akbar on Wednesday said Iranians don't respect Pakistan as they believe the neighbouring country takes orders from America.

In an interview with ANI, Akbar said, "Iranians may be 'friends' with Pakistan, but they never respect Pakistan...Pakistan's locus standi with Tehran is very, very low. It is America which is pushing Pakistan, and I think the American vice president needs a hotel to sleep in somewhere while the negotiations are going on."

He contrasted this with Iran's view of India, noting Tehran respects India's national interest-based for...