MIDDLE EAST
Iran’s attack in Pakistan: Any message for Washington
The unexpected attack of the Islamic Republic of Iran on the territory of Pakistan has raised questions about the hidden motives of this attack; An attack that can indicate deeper concerns.
Some reports from the recent visit of General Asim Munir, Chief of Army Staff of Pakistan to Washington indicates that the ground for a “complex deal” has been created between the United States of America and the Pakistani military.
Pakistan, whose economy has been fueled and improved by regional tensions for several decades, has long acted as a player to protect other interests in this region.
After the United States cut off financial aid to Pakistan in 2018 and the role of this country became less important for Washington, especially after the withdrawal of NATO forces from Afghanistan. Islamabad’s economic and financial needs were also not met by other regional players, including China, so Pakistan faced serious political, security and economic challenges. It is struggling and many believe that the country is on the verge of economic collapse.
Secret deal is on the making
On September 17 of last year, the American Internet magazine “The Intercept” reported, citing two informed sources, that during Asim Munir’s visit to the United States, a “secret deal” was made, including the payment of 700-800 million dollars by the United States to Pakistan for “supplying Ammunition for Ukraine.”
This news has not yet been confirmed by official sources. But due to Pakistan’s closeness to the West, especially the United States, close cooperation between Islamabad and Washington is not unusual. However, Pakistan also has its regional considerations towards Russia.
Also, according to reports, the United States, with its influence on international financial institutions, including the World Bank and the International Monetary Fund, has adjusted its positions to guarantee loans to Pakistan, in return for Pakistan agreeing to set up a “Shamsi” military base in its territory of Balochistan. It’s worth mentioning that this base is about 140 kilometers away from “Panjgur”, an area that was attacked by Iran.
US making efforts to take over Shamsi military base in Pakistan
Although a spokesperson of the US State Department said that Washington had no role in granting the IMF loan to Pakistan and that these negotiations were only between Pakistan and this organization and the US did not participate in it.
Another US media outlet, The New York Times had also reported in 2021 on the CIA’s efforts to take over “Shamsi” military base.
Pakistani newspaper (DAWN) also reported that US Deputy Defense Secretary David Helvey told the Senate Armed Services Committee that Pakistan had allowed the US to have military access to Afghanistan through its airspace.
It seems that the United States of America has long sought the reactivation of some bases inside Pakistan to achieve broader strategic goals, including intelligence gathering, but it is said that Imran Khan, the then Prime Minister of Pakistan had opposed this decision.
The United States pursues various goals by using the “Shamsi” base in Baluchistan such as monitoring “terrorist activities” in the region and Afghanistan. In this regard, it can be said that the cooperation between Pakistan and the United States of America regarding the intelligence and technical monitoring of the activities of the TTP (Pakistani Taliban) and the secession of the Baloch Taliban is a part of these goals. The activities of these groups have become a security challenge for Pakistan.
US, Pakistan, UK and UAE to stand against Iran
There is also a possibility that after the return of Nawaz Sharif, the former prime minister of Pakistan to power who enjoys close ties with UK, Saudi Arabia and the United Arab Emirates, will raise Iran’s doubts about a “secret alliance” between the United States and Pakistan to “strengthen the information ring around Iran.”
Syed Asim Munir, the chief of Pakistan’s Army met with General Mohammad Bagheri, the chief of joint staff of Iran’s armed force during his visit to Tehran last year.
Iran’s simultaneous attack on Syria, Iraq and Pakistan may be a reflection of the concerns of this country as a whole.
The activity of opponents of the Iranian government has created problems for this country. According to Iranian officials, the attack on Pakistan was aimed at countering Jaish al-Adl, firing missiles at Iraqi Kurdistan with the aim of destroying the Mossad spy base in Erbil, and attacking Idlib in northwestern Syria in response to the attack of the ISIS terrorist group in Kerman.
US under pressure to deal with Iran
Amid the escalation of tensions in the Middle East and Iran’s activities related to its nuclear program, the United States and its allies are becoming increasingly restless and the pressure on the Biden administration is increasing. On the eve of the presidential election of this country, Biden has been accused by his electoral rivals of appeasing Iran and ignoring terrorist activities in Afghanistan.
On the other hand, the politicians of the United States, UK, Israel and their allies present Iran as a supporter of movements that threaten the interests of the United States and its allies in the region and liken Iran to a “snake’s head” that must be dealt with.
Considering the mentioned concerns, Iran’s attack on Iraq, Syria and of course Pakistan can be considered as a “deterrent and warning.” To what extent Iran had predicted Pakistan’s reaction is a point worth pondering. But this act of attack inside Pakistan’s soil and near the Shamsi base can be considered important at least as a message to America.
Iran and Pakistan acting wisely to ease tensions
Now it should be seen whether the current disputes and confrontations can end here or it will intensify the attacks of the representative groups of the two countries inside each other’s territory. The complex geopolitical landscape is based on the complexities of regional dynamics and the delicate balance of power.
Just two days ago, gunmen killed nine Pakistani nationals in the southeastern border area of Iran. This comes from efforts by the two sides to mend ties after recent tit-for-tat attacks.
Pakistani ambassador to Iran, Muhammad Mudassir Tipi had expressed shock by “by horrifying killing” of nine Pakistanis in Saravan.
He called on the government of Iran to extend full cooperation in the matter.
Iranian media reported the attack on Sarvan in Sistan-Baluchestan province and identified the dead as foreign nationals.
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