Pakistan's PM Shehbaz Sharif and Army Chief Asim Munir sought Iranian support against India. However, Khamenei advocated for peace and explicitly denied any bias.
Pakistan: Pakistan's Prime Minister Shehbaz Sharif and Army Chief Asim Munir are currently in Tehran, Iran. Following recent conflicts and diplomatic setbacks with India, Pakistan has sought assistance from Iran. However, Iran dashed Pakistan's hopes. Iran's Supreme Leader, Ayatollah Ali Khamenei, stated that he hopes for peace between India and Pakistan and supports a ceasefire. This effectively rejected Pakistan's attempt to garner support against India.
Pakistan's Failed Attempt to Secure Support Against India
Pakistan hoped Iran would support its position and pressure India. This did not happen. Iran offered no concrete support to Pakistan, instead emphasizing peace and dialogue. According to reports from the Iranian media outlet IRNA, President Masoud Pezeshkian stressed the need for a lasting ceasefire between India and Pakistan. He stated that Iran desires India and Pakistan to resolve their disputes peacefully and maintain regional stability.
Pakistan's Focus on India-Iran Relations
India and Iran share long-standing historical and cultural ties. Both countries have collaborated on numerous significant projects, ranging from the Chabahar Port to energy projects. Pakistan has consistently been uncomfortable with the close India-Iran relationship.
Therefore, Pakistan has consistently attempted to draw Iran closer to contain India. However, Iran has made it clear that it will not participate in any conspiracy against India.
Pakistan's Diplomatic Defeat and Iran's Stance
Following the conflict with India, Pakistan hoped for support from Muslim countries. However, this did not materialize. Most Muslim countries, including Iran, did not openly support Pakistan. Khamenei, in his discussions, did not directly accuse India and dashed Pakistan's hopes. He stated that both countries should resolve their issues through dialogue.
Iran-Pakistan Relations: Not Entirely Amicable
It is noteworthy that relations between Pakistan and Iran have been strained. Last year, Iran launched missiles at terrorist bases in Pakistan's Balochistan region, escalating tensions between the two countries. Iran has always been cautious about Pakistan, particularly concerning the terrorist organizations operating within its borders. In contrast, India and Iran maintain b diplomatic and trade relations.
