News Analysis |
Foreign Minister Khawaja Asif reached Tehran on a one-day visit to Iran as part of his diplomatic engagement initiative which started with his visit to Beijing. Asif was warmly received in the capital city after which he held an extensive meeting with his counterpart, Javed Zarif.
The task becomes easier as Iran’s spite for the US has again stoked up after Trump is mulling over pulling out of the deal. If anything, Iran can be Pakistan best partner in countering the new Afghan policy
Both discussed a wide range of bilateral issues in light of new happenings in the region, especially the new US South Asia Policy. Earlier, the spokesman for the foreign office, Nafees Zakariya while saying that NSA Lt Gen Nasir Nawaz and Foreign Secretary, Tehmina Janjua will also accompany Asif, said that bilateral, regional and Afghan affairs will be discussed between the two delegations.
The visit is important in more ways than one. Firstly, Pakistan and Iran have had somewhat strained ties in the past few months mainly due to IMAFT and a few border skirmishes. Pakistan, however, has assuaged Iran that it is neutral in the simmering rivalry between that country and Saudi Arabia. Also, Iran like China and Russia has rejected Trump’s new policy for Afghanistan. This gives Pakistan a chance to engage Iran on eking out a political solution to the Afghan imbroglio.
A golden opportunity
Pakistan and Iran have trivial issues and it is an ideal time to iron them out. Along with Russia and China, both these countries can jointly counter Trump’s new plan
Iran is also spreading its tentacles in Afghanistan; it is strengthening the hands of the Taliban. It is the third country after China and Russia which has chided US new policy. Though Iran did not directly name Pakistan, the fact that a pro-India policy has been brushed aside is an encouraging sign for Islamabad to work with.
In other words, Iran rejected a policy which seemingly slotted its ally, India in a pivotal position. Islamabad could add this to the two statements which Iran gave in full support for the freedom struggle in Kashmir and robustly engage Iran.
As things stand, Iran’s ties with the US will reach lower ebbs in the days to come. The nuclear deal is in real danger of being abandoned; Iran’s ties with Qatar
As things stand, Iran’s ties with the US will reach lower ebbs in the days to come. The nuclear deal is in real danger of being abandoned; Iran’s ties with Qatar and the brewing war between Israel and Hezbollah are potent enough reasons to indicate that ties will vitiate further. Moreover, India being a strategic partner of the US and Israel will work on a tightrope. Here Islamabad can push through the window opened by multiple events in world politics.
Pakistan and Iran have trivial issues and it is an ideal time to iron them out. Along with Russia and China, both these countries can jointly counter Trump’s new plan. Asif’s visit is part of diplomatic efforts aimed at garnering support for Pakistan’s version over the Afghan conundrum. The task becomes easier as Iran’s spite for the US has again stoked up after Trump is mulling over pulling out of the deal. If anything, Iran can be Pakistan best partner in countering the new Afghan policy.