Tensions flare as Iran and Pakistan clash over airstrikes in Balochistan province

Amid the diplomatic standoff between Iran and Pakistan over Tehran airstrikes on Balochistan province, Iranian Foreign Minister Amir Abdullahian had a telephonic conversation with his Pakistani counterpart, Iranian news agency Tasnim News reported on Wednesday. The Iranian Foreign Minister emphasised that the attack targeted an Iranian terrorist group and that no Pakistani citizens were attacked. This comes after Pakistan expelled the Iranian ambassador and recalled its own ambassador from Tehran in response to the airstrikes, which targeted the Jaish al-Adl group in Pakistan's Balochistan province.

Pakistan has warned of serious consequences and reserved the right to respond to what it considers an illegal act. The group, designated as a terrorist organization by Iran, has launched numerous attacks on Iranian security forces and operates in Iran's southeastern province of Sistan-Baluchistan. The region shares a border with Afghanistan and Pakistan and has a history of clashes between Iran's security forces and Sunni terrorists, as well as drug smugglers. The recent airstrikes have escalated tensions between the two countries, prompting concerns from China for restraint and avoidance of actions that could lead to an escalation of tension.

The strikes have come at a time of growing tension across the Middle East, with war raging between Israel and the Palestinian group Hamas in Gaza and Iran launching missiles into Iraq's Kurdistan region and Syria's Idlib province. The region is seeing an increase in violent activity, with Iran demonstrating its missile capabilities and exacting revenge on those it sees as responsible for previous attacks.