In a significant development, Iran and Pakistan have announced their commitment to de-escalate tensions that arose from a recent exchange of strikes. On Monday, January 22nd, both nations revealed their intentions to resume diplomatic duties for their Ambassadors.
The decision was announced in a joint statement issued by the Foreign Ministries of both the nations, outlining the key steps in this de-escalation process. According to the statement, the Ambassadors of Iran and Pakistan will be reinstated to their respective posts by Friday, January 26th.
Furthermore, the joint statement revealed that Iran’s Foreign Minister, Hossein Amir-Abdollahian, is scheduled to visit Pakistan on January 29th. This visit comes as a result of an invitation extended by his Pakistani counterpart, Jalil Abbas Jilani.
The recent tensions between Iran and Pakistan escalated after an incident on the night of Tuesday, January 16th. Iran reported that it had launched strikes against militant bases belonging to Jaish al Adl (JAA) in Pakistan. However, Pakistan countered by claiming that the attack resulted in civilian casualties, including the tragic loss of two children.
In response to the situation, Pakistan’s Foreign Minister, Jalil Abbas Jilani, had a crucial phone call with his Iranian counterpart. During this conversation, Pakistan strongly emphasized that the attack not only violated its sovereignty but also contravened international law and the spirit of the bilateral relationship between the two nations.
As a result of the escalating tensions, Pakistan had recalled its Ambassador from Iran, and Tehran’s envoy, who was on leave at the time, was asked not to return to Islamabad. Additionally, all high-level visits between the two countries had been suspended.
Meanwhile, responding on the deteriorating ties and the charges by the Pakistan, Iran’s Foreign Minister, Hossein Amir-Abdollahian, maintained that the strikes had specifically targeted the “Iranian terrorist group” Jaish al-Adl in Pakistan. He emphasized that no civilians from Pakistan were targeted by Iranian missiles and drones.
Pakistan’s retaliatory Move:
Meanwhile, in a retaliatory move on January 18th, Pakistan also conducted airstrikes against alleged separatist militants from the Baloch Liberation Front (BLF) within Iran’s Sistan-Baluchestan province.
Pakistan’s Ministry of Foreign Affairs released a statement, justifying its actions as a response to “terrorist hideouts.” They described the operation as a “manifestation of Pakistan’s unflinching resolve to protect and defend its national security against all threats” and pledged to continue taking necessary measures to ensure the safety and security of its citizens.
