Pakistan has launched retaliatory strikes against militants in Iran in response to attacks by Tehran that targeted sites within Pakistan’s borders, heightening fears of further instability across the Middle East and surrounding region. Pakistan also downgraded its diplomatic relations with Iran on Wednesday, recalling its ambassador from Tehran and expelling the Iranian envoy in Islamabad. It comprises the Pakistani province also called Balochistan, the Iranian province of Sistan and Balochistan, and certain areas of southern Afghanistan. While in the past Iran has taken low-level action against Pakistan in response to militant attacks, Tuesday’s strikes were unusually heavy-handed and Thursday’s retaliatory bombings were the first time that Pakistan has responded with precise military action against its neighbour. Analysts said they believed the strikes by Pakistan were a one-off to demonstrate strength, and unlikely to escalate unless Iran retaliated again.

Source: The Guardian January 18, 2024 20:05 UTC