Iran and Pakistan agree to de-escalate tensions and resume Ambassador duties after deadly strikes

 Iran and Pakistan have agreed to de-escalate tensions following an exchange of deadly strikes last week, leading to the announcement that their Ambassadors would resume their duties. The decision was made following a phone call between Iranian Foreign Minister Hossein Amir-Abdollahian and his Pakistani counterpart Jalil Abbas Jilani. Pakistan had launched airstrikes on Thursday targeting militant targets in Iran, prompting similar strikes from Iran on Pakistani territory.

Pakistan's strikes targeted Jaish al-Adl, a jihadist group which has carried out deadly attacks in Iran, while Iran's strikes in Pakistan drew a sharp rebuke and led to the recall of Ambassadors and summoning of charge d'affaires from both countries. Last week's rare military actions in the porous border region of Baluchistan, split between the two nations, had stoked regional tensions already inflamed by the Israel-Hamas war.

The two countries have now agreed to de-escalate the situation, and it has been mutually agreed that the Ambassadors of both countries may return to their respective posts by January 26. Iranian Foreign Minister Hossein Amir-Abdollahian is also due to visit Pakistan on January 29 following the announcement. This creates hope for improved relations and a peaceful resolution to the recent conflict between the two neighboring countries.