Waleed Sami
The recent Iranian attack on Israel lobbing around 300 drones and missiles, has raised new concernsabout a wider conflict emerging in the Middle East. This incident, interpreted as revenge for a suspected Israeli strike on an Iranian consular office in Syria, illustrates growing tensions in the region. While all parties appear to prevent further escalation, the risk of miscalculations still remains high.
Pakistan, which has deep links to Iran and numerous Arab Governments, has responded to the issue by encouraging moderation and diplomacy. This restrained approach reflects Pakistan’s perilous position, which is nestled between the dictates of regional alliances and a desire for Middle Eastern stability. This article will delve into the responses of regional as well as global actors, in the aftermath of recent episode, emphasizing Pakistan’s role and the way forward.
Reasons for Attack
The main reason for this attack was the retaliation against the Israeli strike on an Iranian consular office in Damascus, Syria. Thus, being proclaimed by Iran as an act of self-defence. Iran’s President Raisi’s recalling of warnings by military officials in the Iranian military, is an indication that Iran is serious about defending itself and is warning against any reckless behaviour by Israel or its supporters. He said in a statement:
“If the Zionist regime [Israel] or its supporters demonstrate reckless behaviour, they will receive a decisive and much stronger response,”
Iran’s Foreign Minister Hossein Amir-Abdollahian further emphasized that strikes were carried out to support Iran’s legal right to defend itself and that strikes did not mean that Tehran desired any further escalation. Iranian Commander Mohammad Bagheri said Iran “has achieved all its goals, and in our view, the operation has ended, and we do not intend to continue”. However, the commander of the Islamic Revolutionary Guard Corps (IRGC), Hossein Salam came up with a warning to Israel in his remarks talking that “From now on, whenever Israel attacks Iranian interests… we will attack from Iran.”
Nevertheless, it seems also evident that the Iranian strike might have been motivated by domestic compulsions. These can be targeted as public relations efforts by Iran’s Government to gain local support, while also maintaining its international prestige as a regional power, which was seriously damaged by the Israeli attack on its Syrian Consulate.
Israel’s Response
Israel’s reaction to the attack was immediate. Israel’s military (along with its allies such as the US, the UK and Jordan) successfully intercepted 99% of the incoming missiles and drones, according to PM Benjamin Netanyahu. In his statement on X (former Twitter), “We intercepted. We blocked. Together we will win,” portraying certainty of victory.
Israel’s Defense Chief Yoav Gallant’s warning that the struggle is not yet over expressing the Israeli determination to amend an unwanted situation and take any necessary action if need be. Furthermore, Israel’s war cabinet has also decided that it will respond to the Iranian attack when “the time is right.” Thus, the chances of escalation are still high.
United Nation’s Response
The United Nations Security Council and General Assembly have strongly condemned and urged all parties to exercise restraining measures and de-escalate, recognizing the high potential of violence and the precariousness of the situation. U.N. Secretary-General António Guterres said, “Now is the time to defuse, de-escalate, and exercise maximum restraint.”
Response of USA led West
The United States, through President Joe Biden’s disapproval of the attacks,vowed to stand with Israel.POTUS reaffirmed “America’s ironclad commitment to the security of Israel” in his address at the White House. In much the same way, the National Security Agency’s (NSA) remarks reveal the harmony that exists between the United States and Israel, when confronted with outside threats. However, the US has only committed to defensive ties with Israel. It will not assist Israel in any retaliation strikes against any other state in the region and beyond.
On the contrary, the EU’ has denounced the Iranian strike as its top diplomat Josep Borrell said in a post on X “This is an unprecedented escalation and a grave threat to regional security.” UK Government also condemned Tehran’s misadventure; however, it doesn’t want Tel Aviv to retaliate. Thus, there is no support for Israel from the West in turning the Middle East into a burning battleground.
Sino-Russian Reaction
China and Russia are worried about escalation, and therefore, call for the actors to restraint and dialogue to subdue tensions. China’s Ministry of Foreign Affairs spokesperson said in remarks published on its website “China calls on relevant parties to remain calm and exercise restraint to avoid further escalation of tensions.” Similarly, Russia’s foreign ministry said in a statement “We express our extreme concern over another dangerous escalation in the region has on all parties involved to exercise restraint.”
Reaction of Regional Powers
In the Middle East, Saudia Arabia is the biggest critique of Iranian misadventure. The Saudi Ministry of Foreign Affairs, issued a statement calling on “all parties to exercise utmost restraint and spare the region and its peoples from the dangers of war”. Jordon, who has a hard stance against Israel over Gaza, was quick to intercept Iranian Drones and Missiles. Jordan; however, claims that it only intercepted Iranian missiles and drones, which were coming to its territory. King Abdullah of Jordan made it clear, even before the Iranian attack that he didn’t wantIranian presence in this conflict the way, Iran had in conflicts in Iraq, Syria and Lebanon.
In South Asia, the Indian Ministry of External Affairs said in a statement, it was “seriously concerned at the escalation of hostilities between Israel and Iran, which threatens the peace and security in the region”. Meanwhile, Pakistan calls it a “Breakdown of Diplomacy.”Pakistan’s allusions to Israel as the source of unrest on April 1st, 2024suggest that the international community should attempt to address the root cause and pacify the warring sentiments. Not only its appeal for restraint but also its humanitarian concerns, particularly in Gaza, strengthen its claim for regional peace and stability.
Way forward for Pakistan
No state in International Arena is supporting Israel to further escalate the issue. However, Israel is keen on responding to Iran, thus keeping alive the risk of major conflict in the Middle East. In such a scenario, Pakistan should not be dragged into the geopolitical rivalry between Iran and Israel. We all must understand that it is not the crusades or battle between Islam and Zionism but eventually a power-wrangling for influence in the Middle East. Pakistan should not get dragged into the wars of others, at any cost.
Additionally, Pakistan acknowledging the external danger, both that coming from India and terrorism, indicates the need for a powerful defence and security machine. Pakistan’s worry regarding the Israel-India nexus not only emphasizes its concern, over the wider regional dynamics but also points to its security challenges. Thus, the best way forward for Pakistan, is to protect its national interest and security and work with the international community to de-escalate this issue.
