Tehran, 19 January 2024 (TDI): After a three-day tense stand-off between Iran and Pakistan, during which both countries conducted airstrikes into each other’s respective borders targeting terrorist camps, tensions between both states seem began to ease.
A significant shift in events took place on Thursday night. Iranian officials released a statement regarding the incidents that happened on the Pakistan border. The development came on the same day when earlier in the morning Pakistan launched retaliatory strikes inside Iran.
Iran’s Foreign Ministry statement
Starting with, the Ministry of Foreign Affairs of the Islamic Republic of Iran condemned Pakistan’s drone attacks. Iran called the airstrikes unbalanced and unacceptable hitting the non-Iranian villagers on the border of the two countries.
Iran considers the security of its people and territorial integrity as a red line. Additionally, it expects the friendly and brotherly government of Pakistan to uphold its responsibilities. This includes preventing the setting up of bases and the deployment of armed terrorist groups on its territory.
On January 16, 2024, the Border Taskforce of the Islamic Revolution Guards Corps (IRGC) Ground Force, situated in Sistan and Baluchistan Province, successfully thwarted a terrorist group’s attempt to infiltrate the territory of the Islamic Republic of Iran.
This preventive action was taken in response to intelligence indicating a planned terrorist operation similar to the heinous attack in Rask. The operation targeted the terrorist group’s barracks and headquarters located in that elevated region, several kilometers away from residential areas.
Consequently, the efforts of the Border Taskforce effectively neutralized the threat, ensuring the safety and security of the Iranian people.
At the same time, the statement also mentioned that Iran upholds a strong commitment to fostering amicable and brotherly relations with Pakistan, guided by the principles of good neighborliness.
The Foreign Ministry has unequivocally stated that Iran will not allow any external forces or enemies to strain the friendly and fraternal relations between Tehran and Islamabad.
Warm exchange of messages between officials of two sides
Ambassador of Iran to Pakistan, Reza Amiri Moghadam, said that the enduring comradeship between Iran and Pakistan has been a pillar of support during both prosperous and challenging times throughout history.
Moreover, he underscored that with shared concerns and aligned interests, the strong bond between these two nations cannot afford any delays or setbacks.
The ambassador emphasized the importance of harnessing their collective capabilities and optimum opportunities. In doing so, bilateral ties can flourish without any room for compromise.
The two brotherly, friendly & neighborly countries of #Iran & #Pakistan have always supported each other in different arena & hard times during the history. With common threats & interests, all-out potentialities & opportunities, the bilateral ties don’t tolerate any lag & delay. pic.twitter.com/Qb8O5bpIGs
— Reza Amiri Moghadam (@IranAmbPak) January 18, 2024
Pakistan’s Ambassador to Iran Muhammad Mudassir highlighted that Pakistan’s unwavering support for Iran has remained steadfast in the face of difficult circumstances. This demonstrates the deep bond and trust between these brotherly nations.
Given the complexities of the regional landscape, encouraging collaboration and mutual reliance is crucial for achieving long-lasting peace and stability. Pakistan holds its principles with determination, driving the promotion of peace, stability, and development.
Need for coordinated action to combat terrorism
In another positive development yesterday, Seyyed Rasoul Mousavi, assistant to Iran’s foreign minister, shared a goodwill message. Mousavi said, “The statement from our country’s Ministry of Foreign Affairs appears to have resolved the tensions between Iran and Pakistan”.
Furthermore, he stressed that leaders and high officials in both nations understand the existing animosity between the two adjacent countries. This, he emphasized, benefits only terrorists and their foes. The Islamic world’s primary concern now is putting an end to Zionist crimes in Gaza.
Additional Foreign Secretary for Afghanistan & West Asia, Rahim Hayat Qureshi, reciprocated this by appreciating Rasoul Mousavi’s sentiments. Qureshi underlined the countries of Pakistan and Iran share a strong bond built on fraternal relations.
I reciprocate yr sentiments dear brother @rasmou. 🇵🇰 & 🇮🇷 have fraternal rels & shall move fwd to resolve all issues through positive dialogue. It is imp to restore trust & confidence that has always defined our bil rels. Our common challenges incl terrorism require coord action https://t.co/9Erv2OvhjT
— Rahim Hayat Qureshi (@rahimhayat) January 18, 2024
Additional Secretary pointed out that moving forward, we are committed to resolving any issues through constructive and positive dialogue. It is pivotal to promote trust and confidence, as these values have consistently characterized our bilateral relations.
Rahim Qureshi focused on that both states face common challenges such as terrorism, which necessitate coordinated action. Together, we can overcome these obstacles and work towards a safer and more prosperous future.
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Consul General of Iran in Karachi, Hassan Nourian, asserted that borders can be used as a chance for economic progress between two countries.
The subsequent unfolding of events indicates a trend towards ease of tensions between Iran and Pakistan. If not resolved through diplomatic means, the situation could have led to a full-scale war. This, in turn, might have pushed the region into perpetual instability.
