Iran Wish to Mediate between Indo-Pak Tension, UN Urging Restraint

Dubela, Annrisha Kusari:  The recent deadly terrorist attack in Pahalgam, Jammu and Kashmir, has sparked a diplomatic crisis between India and Pakistan, with both countries taking retaliatory actions. Iran has offered to mediate between India and Pakistan to help resolve their differences and find a peaceful solution. The United Nations is urging both countries to show restraint and avoid any aggressive actions that could escalate the situation. Iran’s Foreign Minister Sayyid Abbas Araghchi emphasized the importance of peace and stability in the region. He described India and Pakistan as “brotherly neighbours” and said Tehran considers them a top priority.

“India and Pakistan are brotherly neighbours of Iran, with relations rooted in centuries-old cultural and civilizational ties. Like other neighbours, we consider them our foremost priority. Tehran stands ready to use its good offices in Islamabad and New Delhi to help build greater understanding at this difficult time,” Araghchi said in a tweet. The Iranian minister also quoted the Persian poet Saadi to highlight a message of human connection, empathy, solidarity, and compassion. The Pahalgam attack left 27 people, mostly tourists, dead. The attack was carried out by Pakistani terrorists belonging to The Resistance Front, a group believed to be a proxy of the banned Pakistan-based Lashkar-e-Taiba (LeT).

India responded with several strong measures, including suspending the Indus Water Treaty, which is a major lifeline for Pakistan. India also closed its international border, halted activities at the integrated check post at the Attari border, reduced diplomatic staff, and suspended visas for Pakistani nationals. Pakistan denied any involvement in the attack but announced its own retaliatory actions. These included shutting down the Wagah border, suspending all SAARC visas for Indian nationals, suspending the Shimla Agreement, halting trade activities, and closing its airspace to Indian airlines. Pakistan also warned that any attempt to divert water under the Indus Water Treaty would be seen as an “act of war.”

Meanwhile, UN Secretary-General Antonio Guterres urged both countries to exercise maximum restraint to prevent the situation from worsening. He said his office is following the India-Pakistan situation “very closely and with very great concern.”