Turkish Foreign Minister Hakan Fidan expressed his concern over escalating tensions between Pakistan and Iran following retaliatory airstrikes by Pakistan into Iran. Fidan reported that he spoke with his Iranian and Pakistani counterparts, urging calm and offering Turkey’s assistance to ease the situation. The airstrikes in Sistan-Baluchistan province resulted in at least nine casualties, intensifying the strain between the neighboring nations.
The recent hostilities began with Iran’s attack on Pakistani soil on Tuesday, claiming the lives of two children in Baluchistan province. Fidan, during a press conference in Amman, Jordan, emphasized the need to avoid further problems and conflicts in the region. He conveyed Turkey’s recommendation for de-escalation and the swift restoration of calm.
Both the Iranian and Pakistani ministers assured Fidan that they were not seeking an escalation, and the situation was reportedly “under control.” Fidan expressed his hope that the tensions between the two nations would not escalate further, pledging Turkey’s commitment to reducing the strain between Pakistan and Iran.
Russia deems it regrettable
In response to the escalating situation, Russia’s foreign ministry urged Iran and Pakistan to exercise maximum restraint and resolve their differences through diplomatic means. The ministry, noting that both countries are members of the Shanghai Cooperation Organisation (SCO), emphasized the importance of peaceful relations within the SCO. Russian Foreign Ministry spokeswoman Maria Zakharova highlighted the regrettable nature of the conflict between friendly SCO nations, cautioning that further aggravation could play into the hands of those opposing peace, stability, and security in the region.
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Zakharova stressed the necessity for any anti-terrorist operation on another country’s sovereign territory to be conducted in agreement and coordination with the authorities of that country. The statement emphasized the significance of diplomatic solutions to prevent the situation from descending into chaos and jeopardizing regional stability.