Iran harboured reservations at Pakistan’s intimate involvement in Saudi-sponsored Muslim Military Alliance, which by excluding Tehran, Iraq and Syria, looked as if it were deliberately designed as a single sect affair. By stoutly resisting an active military role in Yemen, Pakistan showed its middle-of-the-road intent, earning some harsh comments from a Gulf Sheikhdom, but also gaining Iran’s trust. Timely shuttles between Tehran and Riyadh by the Prime Minister, Foreign Minister and Army chief have allayed suspicions about Pakistan’s strictly unbiased attitude and kept tri-lateral relations on an even keel. But Islamabad was also outspoken when missiles were fired from Yemen targeting Riyadh. Iran has responded positively in addressing Pakistan’s own concerns over Chabahar port, barely 75 kilometers from Gwadar, and the cosying up with the Indians that it entails, especially as the latter are also well-entrenched in Kabul.

Source: Pakistan Today December 12, 2017 03:00 UTC