Iran’s Foreign Minister Calls for Restraint Amid India-Pakistan Tensions

Iran’s Foreign Minister on Monday called for restraint from both India and Pakistan during his one-day visit to Islamabad, amid escalating tensions between the two nuclear-armed neighbors following a deadly assault in Kashmir.

India has levied accusations against Pakistan, alleging its involvement in the attack on tourists last month, a claim that Islamabad has firmly denied. In response, Pakistan asserts that it possesses “credible intelligence” indicating India’s plans to initiate military operations, escalating concerns over a potential conflict between the neighboring countries.

“Iran is pursuing de-escalation and calls on all parties to show restraint and refrain from actions that could heighten tensions,” Iranian Foreign Minister Abbas Araghchi stated upon his arrival in Islamabad.

Iranian Ambassador Reza Amiri Moghadam indicated to state media that the issue will be included in discussions, considering Iran’s strong relationship with both countries.

Araghchi is scheduled to visit Delhi on Thursday, according to a statement released by Iran’s embassy in India on X.

“The parties are set to discuss perspectives on both regional and international developments,” Pakistan’s foreign office announced in a statement highlighting the forthcoming meetings.

India’s Ministry of External Affairs has not yet issued a response to the request for comment. Historically, it has consistently dismissed the notion of third-party intervention regarding issues related to Kashmir.

The predominantly Muslim Himalayan territory, contested by both India and Pakistan, has been at the center of multiple conflicts and diplomatic tensions over the years.

Following the attack, Islamabad has engaged in diplomatic communications with several global capitals to address the situation. Most recently, this was exemplified through a phone call between Foreign Minister Ishaq Dar and Russian Foreign Minister Sergey Lavrov, according to a statement from Pakistan’s foreign office.

On Sunday, the foreign office released a statement indicating that Lavrov voiced apprehension regarding the current situation, underscoring the vital role of diplomacy in resolving conflicts. He appealed to both parties to exercise restraint and to steer clear of any moves that might heighten tensions.

Islamabad has requested its representative at the United Nations to call for a meeting of the UN Security Council. The purpose of this gathering would be to inform the council about what it described as India’s “aggressive actions” that jeopardize peace and security.