Iran affirms ‘brotherly relations’ after Pakistan’s retaliatory strikes

In a diplomatic response on Thursday, Iran’s foreign ministry underscored its commitment to maintaining “amicable and brotherly relations” with Pakistan, despite the latter’s retaliatory strikes following an airspace violation by Tehran. Less than 48 hours after Iran breached Pakistan’s airspace, Pakistan conducted targeted strikes on terrorist hideouts in Iran’s Sistan-Baluchestan province.

Pakistan’s military media affairs wing issued a statement revealing that the operation, named ‘Marg Bar Sarmachar,’ aimed at striking hideouts used by terrorist organisations, specifically mentioning the Balochistan Liberation Army (BLA) and Balochistan Liberation Front (BLF). The military action occurred after Iran’s intrusion into Pakistani airspace, prompting swift countermeasures.

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Iran’s IRNA news agency reported that nine individuals lost their lives in the attack, targeting a village in the city of Saravan. Iranian Interior Minister Ahmad Vahidi clarified that all the casualties were “foreign nationals.”

Earlier in the week, Iran had launched attacks in Pakistan, targeting alleged bases of the militant group Jaish al-Adl in the border town of Panjgur in Balochistan. This move drew strong condemnation from Islamabad, leading to a downgrade in diplomatic ties.

Iran’s recent military actions, not limited to the confrontation with Pakistan, are part of a series of responses to terrorist attacks on its territory. These events have raised concerns about regional stability, particularly given the ongoing conflicts in the Middle East.

In response to Pakistan’s precision military strikes, Pakistan’s Inter Services Public Relations (ISPR) issued a statement, highlighting “effective strikes” against hideouts inside Iran used by terrorists responsible for recent attacks in Pakistan.

Iran, expressing condemnation, summoned Pakistan’s charge d’affaires to protest and seek an explanation from the Pakistani government. However, in a subsequent press release, Iran’s foreign ministry affirmed its commitment to good neighbourly relations with Pakistan while denouncing what it termed an “unbalanced and unacceptable drone attack on non-Iranian villagers.”

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The foreign ministry stated, “The Islamic Republic of Iran adheres to the policy of good neighbourliness and brotherhood between the two nations,” emphasising its refusal to allow external forces to strain the “amicable and brotherly relations” between the two countries. Iran clarified its differentiation between “Pakistan’s friendly and brotherly government and armed terrorists,” urging Islamabad to prevent the establishment of “terrorist bases” while underscoring the significance of maintaining its people’s security and territorial integrity.