PAK-IRAN ESCALATING TENSIONS by Halimah Sadia

Israel-Gaza intensifying tensions have led to ventures followed by global and regional actors,
targeting adversaries through violating the sovereignty of states. Given this unfolding, an
unprecedented event took place when Iran did air strikes across the border into Panjgur,
Balochistan province, Pakistan, and claimed the destruction of Jaish-al-Adl sanctuaries. Iran
put blame on Pakistan for not actively taking action against the militant Sunni group. Border
skirmishes from both neighbours are occasional, but escalation to this extent is something
that is worrisome and alarming. The Iranian contravention took place at a crucial time when
both states just underwent positive diplomatic activity, increased interactions between
civilians and military, and joint military exercises in the Gulf and Hormuz Strait. The
Ministry of Foreign Affairs of Pakistan condemned Iran’s attack and recalled its ambassador.
This act of denunciation wasn’t considered enough for the country whose sovereignty and
deterrence had been threatened by the Iran strikes. Therefore, Pakistan retaliated and
maintained its deterrence under the codename Operation ‘Marg Bar Sarmacha by airstriking
almost seven militant sites across the border inside Sistan-o-Baluchestan province.
“Pakistan fully respects the sovereignty and territorial integrity of the Islamic Republic of
Iran. The sole objective of today’s act was in pursuit of Pakistan’s own security and
national interest which is paramount and cannot be compromised,” statement released by
Pakistan Ministry of Foreign Affairs.
The actual motive behind contingent Iranian escalation cannot be stated with certainty, but
the Iranian aggression coincided with Israel-Gaza heightened tensions. Internal domestic
pressure on Iranian authorities increased day by day as some national security-threatening
events took place within the country. Deadly bombings took place during the anniversary of
Halimah Sadiathe assassination of General Qassem Suleimani in the Iranian city of Kerman. Senior Iranian
Revolutionary Guard, Razi Moussavi, was killed in an Israeli attack in Syria. Later in
December 2023, Jaish-Al-Adl claimed a police station attack killed Iranian security
personnel. Pakistan condemned the attack. Due to the deteriorating state’s security issue, Iran
claimed striking militant sites in Syria, Northern Iraq, and now Pakistan. The other reason for
Iran’s posturing seems to be to strengthen its position against the US and its allies. The
strikes were meant to send a strong message to Western powers. But Iran’s border violations
can be assumed to be in correspondence with Israel killing innocents in the name of Hamas.
What difference remains between two aggressors? Iran needs not be inspired by India and
Israel’s ambitions to reach regional hegemony, causing regional instability. Both Pakistan and
Iran are now on the verge of suspending diplomatic and bilateral ties. Undoubtedly, this
would fulfil the dream of foreign powers wanting a permanent stalemate of relations between
two neighbours. To avoid future escalation, both states must address and circumvent the
militant group irritant through joint efforts strengthening border security instead of unilateral
action and sovereignty violations. The escalating situation must be resolved through peaceful
talks. Both, as geographically important neighbours, possess the potential to cooperate in
various areas such as energy, trade, and border. Pakistan and Iran need to focus on advancing
the IP gas line implementation strategy and find a way around the imposed US sanctions.
Cooperation from both sides is beneficial, boosting countries economic and security
potential. This would definitely contribute to regional stability, which is beneficial for all
regional actors.
China expressed its willingness to mediate between both neighbours. Ministry of Foreign
Affairs spokeswoman Mao Ning shared statements regarding the Pakistan-Iran escalation.
“The Chinese side sincerely hopes that the two sides can exercise calm and restraint and
avoid an escalation of tension,”
“We are also willing to play a constructive role in de-escalating the situation if both sides
so wish,”
Pakistan and Iran are important countries of influence for China and are members of the
Shanghai Cooperation Organization. Both countries worked together when China brokered a
deal between bitter rivals Saudi Arabia and Iran. This portrayed the rising power as a global
conflict mediator. It’s essential for China to effectively mediate during unprecedented
escalation while maintaining its image as a responsible global actor.This unparalleled situation must not prompt Pakistan to tilt more towards US; instead, it must
balance its relations with other states while ensuring national interests.
The writer is IR freelance researcher IIUI
Haleemasadia2399@gmail.com