Description: Iran’s Foreign Minister, Abbas Araghchi met with Pakistan’s Foreign Minister Ishaq Dar in Islamabad as he offered mediation from Iran in deescalating the tensions with India caused by the terrorist attack in Pahalgam on 22 Apr. Both India and Pakistan have reinforced their border security and exchanged diplomatic measures of retribution such as the expulsion of diplomats and the abandonment of the Indus Water Treaty. Pakistan’s Foreign Minister welcomed Araghchi’s offer for meditation and stated that he already communicated with several state dignitaries such as Russian Foreign Minister Sergey Lavrov and US Secretary of State Marco Rubio who have also cautioned both countries to restrain themselves to resorting towards armed confrontation.
Impact: Iran’s engagement in the escalated bilateral tensions between India and Pakistan comes in face of growing concerns regarding a protracted regional crisis. The escalated military tensions could cause armed responses from both sides which would put India and Pakistan on a collision course, something Iran desperately wants to avoid as it faces clinical nuclear negotiations with the US. Pakistan’s mention of open and consistent communication with foreign representatives from the US and Russia signals invested backchannel involvement in keeping both countries outside of the confrontational framework. Iran’s assertation in the bilateral dispute is also investment in regional soft power capital as they invest in building closer ties with neighboring Pakistan. Araghchi is also set to meet with state officials from India in the upcoming days further solidifying Iran’s central role in mediating peaceful resolution between the countries in times of strained and conflicting bilateral relations.