INTERNATIONAL

Tensions escalate after Pakistan carries out ‘retaliatory’ airstrikes in Iran

By News Desk

January 18, 2024

On Thursday, Pakistan carried out retaliatory strikes against targets in Iran, a response to Iran’s earlier attack on Jaish al-Adl’s headquarters within Pakistan’s Balochistan province.

The situation escalated when Iran launched missiles and drones at the Jaish al-Adl group, considering it a decisive move to counter perceived threats to its security.

Pakistan swiftly condemned Iran’s actions, characterizing the breach of its airspace as a violation of international law and the principles of the United Nations Charter.

The Ministry of Foreign Affairs emphasized the unacceptability of Iran’s “illegal act” and asserted that the responsibility for any consequences would squarely rest with Iran.

In a measured response, Pakistan announced the recall of its ambassador from Iran and suspended high-level visits between the two nations.

The decision to halt ongoing or planned visits aimed to underscore the gravity of the situation. Additionally, the spokesperson conveyed that the Iranian Ambassador to Pakistan, currently in Iran, might not return for the time being.

This clash between Iran and Pakistan coincides with the backdrop of the Israeli attacks on Palestine and an uptick in attacks on vessels in the Red Sea, contributing to a complex regional dynamic fraught with geopolitical tensions.