Pakistan, Iran War: Tension De-Escalates After Foreign Ministers Talk Over Phone

After cross-border missile strikes on terrorist camps situated in Pakistan and Iran, both countries have agreed to de-escalate tension. The recent series of lethal airstrikes targeting militant sites has escalated existing regional tensions, further strained by the ongoing conflict between Israel and Hamas. On the night of January 16, Iran conducted airstrikes in Pakistan's Balochistan intending to target 'militant' bases in the area. In response, Pakistan retaliated on Wednesday by striking militant targets within Iran's south-eastern Sistan-Baluchestan province, resulting in the death of nine individuals.

Taking cognizance of escalating tension between both countries, the United Nations jumped in with intentions to resolve the issue with dialogue. The United States and China extended an offer to mediate between Iran and Pakistan. According to the reports, Pakistan's Foreign Minister Jalil Abbas Jilani and Iran's Foreign Minister Hossein Amir-Abdollahian talked over the phone to de-escalate tension.

Pakistani's foreign ministry, in a statement, said "The Foreign Minister stressed that respect for territorial integrity and sovereignty must underpin this cooperation."

Earlier, Pakistan's caretaker Prime Minister Anwaar-ul-Haq Kakar held an emergency security meeting after Iran launched the missile attack. He said, "Any attempt by anyone to breach it on any pretext will be responded to with full might of the state."

"The meeting also concluded that in line with the universal principles governing the conduct of good neighborly relations, the two countries would mutually be able to overcome minor irritants through dialogue and diplomacy and pave the way to further deepen their historic relations," the statement added.