In a significant turn of events, Islamabad and Tehran have made efforts to de-escalate tensions following Pakistan’s retaliatory strikes inside Iran on Thursday. The missile strikes had raised the specter of a full-scale conflict between the two neighboring nations, prompting diplomatic interventions.
After conducting the strikes, Pakistan conveyed a reconciliation message to Iran, emphasizing its lack of interest in further escalating tensions. Tehran responded by affirming its commitment to good neighborly relations with Pakistan and asserting that it would not allow external forces to strain their ties. This was perceived as a positive signal by Pakistani officials, suggesting a willingness on Iran’s part to mend relations.
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The de-escalation seems to have been facilitated by the involvement of key regional players. China, Russia, and Turkey reportedly engaged in both overt and covert diplomatic efforts to prevent the crisis from intensifying. Turkish Foreign Minister Hakan Fidan, in discussions with his Pakistani and Iranian counterparts, urged restraint and emphasized the need to restore calm in the region. Both Iranian and Pakistani ministers assured Fidan that they did not seek escalation and that the situation was under control.
Russia voiced serious concerns over the escalating tensions and, through diplomatic channels, encouraged both Iran and Pakistan to exercise “maximum restraint.” The Russian Foreign Ministry emphasized the importance of resolving differences through diplomacy to prevent the region from descending into chaos. Russian officials highlighted the unfortunate situation between friendly Shanghai Cooperation Organisation (SCO) countries, indicating their commitment to peace and stability in the region.
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China, with close ties to both Iran and Pakistan, expressed its concerns and offered to mediate between the two nations. The collective efforts of these regional players have contributed to a sense of cautious optimism among Pakistani officials, who hope that the worst of the crisis has passed.