Iran steps in to defuse Indo-Pak tension
Foreign Minister Abbas Araghchi said his country would not involve in direct talks with Washington amid threats. PHOTO: AFP
Iran is trying to defuse brewing tensions between Pakistan and India as its President spoke to both Prime Minister Shehbaz Sharif and Narendra Modi on Saturday.
The Iranian Foreign Minister on Friday spoke to Foreign Minister Ishaq Dar and offered his country's good offices to seek de-escalation in tensions.
"India and Pakistan are brotherly neighbors of Iran, enjoying relations rooted in centuries-old cultural and civilizational ties. Like other neighbors, we consider them our foremost priority," Iran Foreign Minister Sayed Abbas Araghchi wrote on X after talking to Dar.
He added: "Tehran stands ready to use its good offices in Islamabad and New Delhi to forge greater understanding at this difficult time, in line with the spirit taught by Persian poet Saadi:"Human Beings are members of a whole; In creation of one essence and soul; If one member is inflicted with pain; Other members uneasy will remain."
On Saturday, Iranian President Dr Masoud Pezeshkian spoke to Indian and Pakistani Prime Ministers with focus on defusing tension. "I spoke to my brother, Dr Masoud Pezeshkian, President of Iran this evening, to express my deep shock at the tragic explosion at Shahid Rajaee Port, Bandar Abbas. Expressed solidarity with Iran on the loss of precious lives and prayed for early recovery of the injured," Shehbaz Sharif wrote on X.
The prime minister confirmed he discussed the current Indo-Pakistan tensions with the Iranian President.
"We also exchanged views on the regional situation. Reaffirmed Pakistan strong desire for peace in the region and reiterated our condemnation of terrorism in all forms and manifestations. Recalled that Pakistan was itself one of the biggest victims of terrorism. Denounced India's use of water as a weapon, which was unacceptable to Pakistan. Reiterated Pakistan's resolute and unwavering support for the people of IIOJK and their right to self-determination," Shehbaz said.
The Indian Foreign Ministry in a statement said Iranian President in a telephonic conversation with Modi condemned the Pahalgam attack.
Meanwhile, over the past 48 hours, Deputy Prime Minister and Foreign Minister Ishaq Dar received telephone calls from several of his counterparts. Following Friday's telephonic contact by the Saudi and Iranian Foreign Ministers, on Saturday, Turkish Foreign Minister as well as top diplomat from Egypt telephoned Dar.
All those contacts were aimed at discussing the ongoing tensions between Pakistan and India.
Saudi Arabia and Iran are believed to have offered their respective good offices to defuse the brewing tensions. Pakistan is ready for any mediation but India is unlikely to accept such an offer.
In a telephonic conversation with Foreign Minister of Türkiye, Hakan Fidan, Dar briefed him on the decisions taken by Pakistan's National Security Committee in response to India's baseless allegations, unilateral measures, and false propaganda.
Appreciating the historic, deep-rooted, and brotherly ties between the two countries, DPM thanked Türkiye for its consistent support to Pakistan at all fora. The two leaders agreed to continue consultations and close coordination in view of the evolving regional situation.
On Saturday, Chinese Ambassador Jiang Zaidong met Foreign Minister Ishaq Dar to discuss the Indo-Pakistan tensions.
"Reaffirming the all-weather strategic partnership between Pakistan and China, the two sides exchanged views on the evolving regional situation and agreed to maintain close communication and coordination," a statement issued by the foreign office said.
China is a key player and Pakistan's mainstay given the deteriorating situation with India. Sources said China extended full support to Pakistan and backed Islamabad's efforts for de-escalation.