Pakistan and Iran, historically maintained diplomatic ties, conducted air strikes on each other’s lands in an extraordinary escalation of conflict between the Asian neighbors, and that occurred at time when tensions gripped Middle East and beyond.
The Asian nations share an unstable, and ungoverned border that stretches about 900km, and both nations are battling militancy in regions along the border. This time Iran started the salvo, violating Pakistan’s air space, but Islamabad soon carried out strikes inside Iran, targeting militant camps in Pakistan.
As tension and panic gripped Pakistan, and other Asian nations, top countries including the US, China, Turkiye, UK, Russia, and India reacted to the escalation, with international community calling on both sides to pursue dialogue.
China urges both sides to exercise restraint, offers dialogue
Pakistan’s iron friend China urged Islamabad and Tehran to show restraint. In a statement, Chinese Foreign Ministry Spokesperson Mao Ning called on both countries to avoid actions that would lead to an escalation of tension. China also called on working together to maintain peace and stability.
Beijing said it considers both Pakistan and Iran as close neighbours and major Islamic countries.
US condemns flexing of muscle by Iran
As Tehran flexed its muscle, launching attacks in Pakistan on the pretext of targeting, what it called, bases for militants, the United States denounced Iranian strikes.
Washington criticised Iran for violating the sovereign borders of Pakistan and questioned its claims of countering terrorism while causing regional instability.
Russia calls for diplomacy to resolve escalation amid chaos
Kremlin called on Islamabad and Tehran to exercise maximum restraint and to resolve differences through diplomacy.
Russian government also requested both sides to avoid playing into hands of those seeking regional chaos.
India says it understands actions taken in self-defence
Pakistan arch-rival India also responded, calling it matter between Islamabad and Tehran. New Delhi emphasized its zero-tolerance policy towards terrorism and has not opposed Pakistan’s actions in self-defense.
Turkiye offers mediator’s role to cool down tensions
Turkey also called for end of further escalation, stressing to resolve issues through dialogue and brotherhood, respecting sovereignty and territorial integrity.
Turkish Foreign Minister called on both sides to de-escalate tensions.
EU deeply worried about violence in Middle East and beyond
European Union expressed serious concern about uptick in violence in Middle East and other areas, particularly following recent incidents where Pakistan and Iran fired salvos.
It emphasized that such attacks are troubling because they go against the sovereignty and territorial integrity of these nations. Such actions are also seen as contributing to instability in the region, EU spokesman Peter Stano said.
Afghan Taliban calls situation alarming, urges restraint
Afghan Taliban also came forward to diffuse situation as the interim government advocated resolving disputes through diplomacy and dialogue.
China, Turkey offer mediator’s role to cool down Pakistan-Iran tensions
