Pakistan's Caretaker Foreign Minister Jalil Abbas Jilani conveyed a resolute message outlining the nation's security red lines during a telephonic conversation with Iranian Foreign Minister Hossein Amir Abdollahian on Friday.
The exchange follows Pakistan's retaliatory strikes on terrorist hideouts within Iranian territory on Thursday, a response triggered by Tehran's violation of Pakistan's sovereignty with an earlier strike in Balochistan.
Read also: Pakistan conducts military strikes inside Iran
The previous incursion resulted in the tragic death of two children and injuries to three girls.
During the conversation, FM Jilani emphasised the need to restore diplomatic relations between the two neighboring nations.
Read here: PM to chair high-level huddle on Pakistan-Iran ties
He expressed the desire to address all outstanding issues with Iran within an atmosphere of mutual trust, seeking resolution and normalization of friendly relations.
Highlighting Pakistan's commitment to safeguarding its security interests, FM Jilani sent an unequivocal message regarding the country's security red lines.
Both foreign ministers agreed to continue dialogue, a positive development indicating a willingness on both sides to find diplomatic solutions to their differences.
Pakistan stresses desire for de-escalation
On the other hand, Pakistan's Caretaker Foreign Minister Jalil Abbas Jilani reiterated the country's lack of interest or desire in further escalation with Iran.
The statement came during a telephonic conversation with Turkiye's Minister of Foreign Affairs, Hakan Fidan, as both nations grapple with the aftermath of recent retaliatory strikes.
The conversation centered on the ongoing developments between Pakistan and Iran, shedding light on Pakistan's perspective and the motives behind its recent military operation, named "Operation Marg Bar Sarmachar."
Foreign Minister @HakanFidan of Turkiye called Foreign Minister @JalilJilani to discuss the ongoing developments between Pakistan and Iran. FM shared Pakistan’s perspective and the recent developments. He stated that Pakistan’s Operation Marg Bar Sarmachar was aimed at terrorist… pic.twitter.com/BCzKDHkRPK
— Spokesperson 🇵🇰 MoFA (@ForeignOfficePk) January 19, 2024
Foreign Minister Jilani clarified that the operation targeted terrorist camps located within Iranian territory.
The diplomatic outreach follows a day of positive messages exchanged between high-ranking officials from Pakistan and Iran, signaling a mutual interest in resolving the border tensions through dialogue.
Pakistan's emphasis on de-escalation and the pursuit of diplomatic avenues echoes its commitment to maintaining regional stability. As the international community closely monitors the situation, the diplomatic channels remain open to prevent further deterioration of relations between the two neighboring nations.
