Iran offers to play mediator between India, Pak as ties nosedive after J&K attack

Iran offered to mediate between India and Pakistan amid escalating tensions following a deadly terrorist attack in Jammu and Kashmir, with both countries taking retaliatory actions and the UN urging restraint.

In Short

• India targets Pakistan with retaliatory measures after Pahalgam attack
• Iran offers to help ease tensions between two neighbours
• UN chief urges New Delhi, Islamabad to exercise 'maximum restraint'

Iran on Friday offered to mediate between India and Pakistan, as tensions between the two neighbouring countries escalated following a deadly terrorist attack in Jammu and Kashmir's Pahalgam carried out by Pakistan-based terrorists.

Iran's Foreign Minister Seyed Abbas Araghchi, stressing the importance of peace and stability in the region, described India and Pakistan as "brotherly neighbours" and affirmed that Tehran considers them a top priority.

"India and Pakistan are brotherly neighbours of Iran, enjoying relations rooted in centuries-old cultural and civilisational ties. Like other neighbours, we consider them our foremost priority. Tehran stands ready to use its good offices in Islamabad and New Delhi to forge greater understanding at this difficult time," Araghchi tweeted.

The Iranian Minister further quoted the Persian poet Saadi's comments, reflecting a message of human connections, empathy, solidarity, and compassion.

Relations between India and Pakistan reached a new low in recent history after 26 people, mostly tourists, were shot dead by terrorists belonging to The Resistance Front, a group believed to be a proxy of the banned Pakistan-based Lashkar-e-Taiba (LeT).

Reiterating India's accusations of the Pakistani government's role in facilitating and promoting cross-border terrorism, India took several decisive actions including suspending the Indus Water Treaty, a major lifeline for Pakistan; closing the international border; halting activities at the integrated check post at Attari; reducing the number of diplomatic mission staff; suspending visas for Pakistani nationals, including those under a Saarc scheme.

Islamabad, which denied any involvement in the Pahalgham attack, also announced a series of retaliatory measures, including shutting down the Wagah border, suspending all Saarc visas for Indian nationals, suspension of the Simla accord, the halting of trade activities and closing its airspace to Indian airlines. It also said that any move to divert water meant for it under the Indus Water Treaty would be considered an "act of war".

Incidentally, a Border Security Force (BSF) soldier has been taken into custody by Pakistan Rangers after he accidentally crossed the International Border (IB) in Punjab's Ferozepur, according to sources. Discussions were underway to secure the release of the BSF personnel.

Meanwhile, UN Secretary-General Antonio Guterres said that his office is following the situation between India and Pakistan “very closely and with very great concern” and appealed to both governments to exercise maximum restraint and ensure no further deterioration.