An agreement has been reached between Pakistan and Iran to reduce the tension triggered by military actions in the border area of Balochistan. There was a phone conversation between Pakistan Foreign Minister Jalil Abbas Jilani and his Iranian counterpart Hossein Amir-Abdullahian.
A joint statement issued by Pakistan’s Foreign Ministry spoke of their agreement on “de-escalating tensions” and strengthening coordination on counter-terrorism and other mutual concerns.
The External Affairs Minister stressed that respect for territorial integrity and sovereignty should underpin this cooperation.
According to Pakistan’s Foreign Ministry, “Foreign Minister Jalil Abbas Jilani has expressed his desire to work with Iran on all issues in the spirit of mutual trust and cooperation.”
Both countries had recalled their diplomats after missile and drone attacks on alleged extremist bases located in each other’s areas. Now after the talks between the two countries, there are signs of improvement in the situation. Recalling the ambassadors of both countries to each other’s capitals was also discussed.
Let us tell you that on Tuesday night i.e. 16 January, Iran launched missile and drone attacks on “terrorist” targets in Pakistan. In response, Pakistan carried out precise strikes on terrorist targets inside Iran on Thursday, January 18.
The international community, including the United Nations and the US, called for restraint, while China offered to mediate between the two countries.
What has happened till now?
Balochistan area shared between Pakistan and Iran has been the center of terrorist activities for a long time. In recent incidents, Iran launched missile and drone attacks on “terrorist” targets in Pakistan, after which Pakistan claimed to have attacked terrorist targets in Iran.
Military actions taken by both the countries increased the tension, due to which Pakistan had to recall its ambassador from Tehran.
According to the report of news agency AFP , 11 people were collectively claimed dead from both sides of the border, mostly women and children.
The security meeting stressed that Pakistan and Iran “should address each other’s security concerns in the larger interest of regional peace and stability.”
who said what?
Following the clash between the two countries, India underlined its “zero tolerance” stance towards terrorism, but also said that it understands “actions taken by countries in self-defense”.
External Affairs Ministry spokesperson Randhir Jaiswal said in a press conference that, “This is a matter between Iran and Pakistan. As far as India is concerned, we will have zero tolerance for terrorism. We understand what actions countries take in self-defense.”
Condemning Iran’s actions, the US State Department said that we think this has gone a little too far. On the one hand, Iran is the main financier of terrorism in the region, and on the other hand it claims that it is needed to take action to counter terrorism.
China said that we call on both sides to avoid actions that increase tension and jointly maintain the region peaceful.
