By Levina
In a significant development, Pakistan and Iran have agreed to reinstate their Ambassadors to their respective positions by January 26th, indicating a possible thaw in the recently strained relations between the two nations. Tensions escalated with both countries conducting military strikes on each other’s soil on the 17th and 18th, marking a dramatic turn of events.
We had published a video on the same, you may watch it on Youtube
Pakistan and Iran have decided to send their Ambassadors back to their respective positions by Jan 26th, signaling a thawing of relations between the two. The attacks and counter attacks by the countries had taken a dramatic turn, with both countries carrying out military strikes on each other’s soil on 17th and 18th. According to reports there could be 3 different reasons why it happened.
Chronology of Events:
Initial Attacks:
On the night of the 16th, following attacks on Iraq and Syria, Iranian Revolutionary Guards targeted Pakistan on the 17th, claiming it was against the Jaish Al Adl terrorist group. In response, Pakistan launched a missile strike inside Iran on the 18th, citing an attack on the Baloch Liberation Front (BLF). Both Jaish Al Adl and BLF are recognized as terrorist groups.
Casualties
End Result- 7 Balochis killed in Pakistan and 9 Balochis killed in Iran
Trigger Incident:
The trigger for Iran’s attack seems to be an incident in December, where Jaish Al Adl allegedly carried out a terrorist attack in Rask, Iran, resulting in the death of 11 policemen and injuries to seven. This event appears to have prompted Iran’s military response against Pakistan.
What adds an interesting twist to the story is Iran’s choice to use its conventional army, unlike in the Middle East where Iranian proxies like Hezbollah and Houthis are usually employed by the IRGC for attacks. Jaish Al Adl is the same group that previously kidnapped Indian veteran Kulbhushan Jadhav and handed him over to ISI.
It’s crucial to note that Pakistan is a nuclear power, while Iran claims to be a regional leader. Despite this, neither side has deployed air defenses. Diplomatically, there have been conflicts, but there’s no indication that relations have soured significantly between the two countries.
So, what’s really happening?
Coordinated Operations Against Terrorism:Amidst the information noise, it’s plausible that joint and coordinated operations are underway to target terrorist groups hindering both nations, which otherwise maintain friendly relations. Similar incidents, like attacks on smugglers in Transnistria and Moldova, were downplayed by both sides in the past. “Though unconfirmed, a Russian channel Rybar, run by an ex-military figure, claims that Iran and Pakistan jointly carried out a coordinated attack. Even an Iranian media house has asserted this. However, the exact reasons behind the attack are yet to be fully revealed. A clip from a the Russian channel is available in the video posted above by Resonant News.
This narrative of coordinated attacks has been posted by a pro Iranian media called Khaber Fori too. Iranian social media grps are propagating that attack on Iraq, Syria and Pakistan was planned well in advance.
Domestic Distraction for Iran: Another reason for Iran to use its conventional army could be to deviate the attention of its local populace as Iran has witnessed unprecedented amount of protests against Iranian govt in last 2 years.
Message to American Allies: Experts also say that Iranian attack could be a clear massage to the Pakistanis who is also an ally of America. Presently all the American allies are spread too thin, be it Israel, japan or S.Korea. this attack will put Pakistan also on tenterhooks. Joe Biden when asked his opinion on the issue said ” Iran is not liked by the countries in the region”, clearly lending his support to Pakistan
Who suffered the most?
Many Balochis from both Iran and Pakistan hv now come out to say, that Balochistan was one entity which is spread over Pakistan, Iran and Afghanistan. Video of one such lady from Balochistan has been added in the video posted above.
While the exact reasons behind the recent military actions remain undisclosed, the decision to return Ambassadors suggests a diplomatic effort to de-escalate tensions. Ongoing developments and geopolitical dynamics will be closely monitored to assess the future trajectory of Pakistan-Iran relations.
