Iran and Pakistan missile firings: Tit-for-tat or diplomacy failure

Pakistan did not remain silent over Iran’s brazen missile attack on an alleged militant group inside the country’s Balochistan region as it fired back against what it had claimed as rebel-held sites in Iranian territory. The exchange of fires between the two neighbors marked an explosive new development in growing unrest in the Middle East since the outbreak of deadly war in Gaza, the new wave of clashes in Yemen and now toward South Asia.

It was Iran which fired first on Tuesday and Pakistan responded on Thursday and Islamabad called it a clear violation of its national territory. Both sides claimed that they had targeted hideouts of the separatist Baloch militants but the reports speak otherwise and the civilians were the victims on both sides. Iranian state media reported the death toll from Pakistan’s missile attack in southeastern Sistan-Baluchistan region has reached to ten, including three women and four children. Three civilians, including two children were also killed in Iran’s attack on Pakistani soil.

The attack, of course, further deteriorated the ties between the two nuclear weapons neighbors which indeed is not in their interest at all. Both Iran and Pakistan apparently have a clear interest in finding a ceiling for this conflict and pathway toward de-escalation. At the same time, it is not simply possible as Iran is angrier now because the diplomacy approach failed to convince Islamabad not to retaliate.

China works to ease tensions between Iran and Pakistan

However, the mediation process has been scrambled, especially by China which has a very good tie with both the countries.

China’s Foreign Ministry spokesperson, Mao Ming expressed her country’s willingness to play a constructive role in easing tensions between Iran and Pakistan

“China has always advocated that relations between countries should be handled in accordance with the purposes and principles of the United Nations Charter and international law, and that the sovereignty, independence, and territorial integrity of all countries should be effectively respected and maintained,” Mao stated.

She furthered: “Iran and Pakistan are close neighbors, friendly countries to China, and countries with important influence. China sincerely hopes that both sides can maintain calm and restraint and avoid escalating tensions. If needed, we are also willing to play a constructive role in alleviating the situation.”

Meanwhile, Afghanistan, the closest neighbor to both Iran and Pakistan had deemed the recent violence between Iran and Pakistan alarming, and called on the two neighboring countries to exercise restraint.

“In light of the region’s newfound peace and stability after protracted imposed wars and instability, both sides should direct efforts towards further strengthening regional stability and resolving disputes through diplomatic channels and dialogue,” Taliban Foreign Ministry Spokesman Abdul Qahar Balkhi said.

Iran’s enemy has spoken of course negatively

However, US President Joe Biden said that the recent clashes between Iran and Pakistan indicate Iran’s lack of popularity in the region.

Youth activists of Muslim Talba Mahaz (MTM) holding a banner shout slogans during a protest against Iranian air strike, in Islamabad on January 18, 2024. AFP

“As you can see, Iran is not particularly well-liked in the region, and where that goes, we’re working on now. I don’t know where that goes,” Biden said.

But US State Department spokesperson Matthew Miller urged restraint among all parties amid escalating tensions between Iran and Pakistan, and lauded Pakistan’s emphasis on cooperative relations with its neighbors.

Attacking Pakistan was a mistake – diplomacy wins

An Iranian war expert said that Pakistan has been under attack for several years, and there was a wave of attacks on bordering sides against Pakistani soldiers, but Islamabad didn’t attack directly any country like Iran did. “I am not blaming Iran, but carrying out a missile attack inside Pakistan was not a right decision,” he told Harici.

Speaking on condition of anonymity, he said that Iran is already alone in the region, attacking Pakistan is making Iran more peril to terrorist attacks by different names and agenda. “We are already at war with Israel, Syria, Iraq, and now with Pakistan. We also fought with the Taliban in bordering areas. So, these are not good signs. We need friends not more enemies,” he added.

We need to think twice before taking any action, he said, adding that Iran should not lose its way with recent attacks in Kerman. “Iran should understand that the extremist groups like Islamic State (IS), who claimed responsibility for Kerman twin bombings, and Baloch militant groups, have no specific hideouts as they are just brain-made by the intelligence agencies of countries,” he added.

He said that Pakistan claimed it targeted militant sides, but the casualties all were civilians, including children and similarly to Iran’s claim attacking Pakistan. “My advice to the government of Iran is that do not retaliate again and the diplomacy channel must work to resolve the issue,” he added.

Pakistan convenes emergency security meeting  

Following a deadly airstrike exchanged between Islamabad and Tehran, the government of Pakistan has decided to hold an emergency meeting with military and intelligence chiefs on Friday. As of now, the meeting has not been held, however the national security committee meeting comes as both sides are apparently trying to reduce the tension. It has been reported that the Pakistani Chief of Army Staff and the head of Intelligence services are expected to attend the meeting.

Meanwhile, Pakistan foreign ministry in a statement described Iran as a brotherly country, stating that the people of Pakistan have great respect and affection for the Iranian people. “We have always emphasized dialogue and cooperation in confronting common challenges, including the menace of terrorism, and will continue to endeavor to find joint solutions,” the statement reads.