A strategic reunion between Pakistan and Iran is tinkering around, sources reveal. The development comes after the two neighboring countries came at loggerheads after Iran, on Tuesday, launched missile attacks in Pakistan, targeting what it described as bases for the Jaish al-Adl group in the border town of Panjgur in Balochistan.
Escalating tensions between Pakistan and Iran
The move prompted a strong condemnation from Islamabad and downgrading of diplomatic ties. Pakistan announced that it was recalling its ambassador from Iran and expelling the Iranian envoy in response to what it termed an unprovoked violation of Pakistani airspace by Iran.
In less than 48 hours of the airspace violation, Pakistan carried out precision strikes in Iran using killer drones, rockets, loitering munitions and stand-off weapons. Meanwhile, in a telephonic conversation with his Turkish counterpart earlier on Friday, Foreign Minister Jilani said Pakistan has no interest in escalating tensions with neighboring Iran.
Also read: Pakistan Launches Precision Strikes Inside Iran Following Border Violation
Both countries are now overviewing the ways to revitalize the alliance. Pakistan’s top military and civilian leaders are to conduct a national security review over the standoff with Iran after the neighboring countries targeted each other with missile strikes that have raised fears of further instability across the region.
The PM’s call
Caretaker Prime Minister Anwaar-ul-Haq Kakar called an urgent meeting, a day after the nuclear-armed nation launched strikes on the hideouts of armed groups in Iran’s Sistan-Baluchistan province, killing at least nine people.
Beyond the immediate conflict, some policymakers and U.S. Central Command, which maintains strong ties with Pakistan, might see synergies with Pakistan, feeling threatened by Iran to balance Iranian military and proxy power in the region.
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