Amidst the ongoing war in the Middle East, Iran’s President Masood Pejeshkian and Pakistan’s Prime Minister Shahbaz Sharif talked and discussed the deteriorating military situation in the region. Pejeshkian urged the international community and global organizations to investigate the reasons for the air strikes on Iran. He warned that not conducting such an investigation would further jeopardize international security.
No intention to attack neighboring countries: Iran
According to the report of news agency Reuters, the Iranian President also emphasized that Tehran has no intention of attacking neighboring countries. Shehbaz Sharif expressed condolences on the demise of Iran’s Supreme Leader Ayatollah Ali Khamenei and congratulated his son and successor Mojtaba Khamenei on assuming the leadership. Between March 1 and March 5, this war spread to many parts of the Middle East, increasing the possibility of a regional war. In such a situation, Pakistan being impartial will prove to be a big challenge for it.
Ever since US President Donald Trump returned to the White House for the second time, he was hinting at attacking Iran. Taking advantage of this, Pakistan started flattering America. Within the last one year, Pakistan, along with supporting Trump, openly supported Saudi Arabia and called Iran and appealed to remain calm. Although most of the times Iran’s top leadership ignored Pakistan’s views, yet Shahbaz Sharif kept calling himself a mediator. Now the situation has changed after the death of Khamenei in the American attack.
Increased challenges for Pakistan
After the death of Iran’s top leadership, Tehran is firing drones and missiles at American military bases in Arab countries. Pakistan and Saudi Arabia have signed a defense deal last year, under which an attack on one country will be considered an attack on the other country as well. This deal has now become a thorn in the neck for Pakistan. He would never have imagined that he would have to choose between Iran and Saudi Arabia. On the other hand, Iran is continuously targeting other Gulf countries including Saudi Arabia. In such a situation, if Pakistan comes to fight the war on behalf of Saudi, it will also have to face Iran’s missiles and drones.
