Iran’s Ministry of Foreign Affairs issued a statement strongly condemning Pakistan’s missile strike into its territory, labeling it as ‘unbalanced and unacceptable.’ The official statement emphasized Iran’s commitment to fostering good neighborliness and brotherhood between the two nations and governments.
Highlighting Iran’s territorial integrity as a ‘red line,’ the statement called on Pakistan to fulfill its ‘obligation’ of preventing its land from being used by terrorists. Despite expressing disapproval of the drone attack, Iran referred to Pakistan’s government as ‘brotherly and friendly.’ The statement further clarified that the Iranian strike on January 16 in Balochistan was a ‘preventive action’ targeting a terrorist group preparing to launch attacks within Iran.
According to the Iranian Ministry of Foreign Affairs, the action aimed at the terrorist group’s barracks and headquarters in the border region, kilometers away from residential areas. Iran justified its move as a necessary and proportionate response to potential threats.
This announcement followed Pakistan’s confirmation of targeting terrorist hideouts inside Iran using various means, including ‘killer drones, rockets, loitering munitions, and stand-off weapons.’ Iran, however, made it clear in its statement that a distinction exists between Pakistan’s government and terrorist entities.
In the midst of rising tensions, the Iranian statement stressed the country’s commitment to maintaining positive relations and not allowing enemies or terrorist allies to strain those ties. The document also underscored Pakistan’s current focus on condemning Israel’s Zionist regime for alleged crimes of ‘genocide.’
In response to Iran’s strike, Pakistan’s Ministry of Foreign Affairs strongly protested the violation of its airspace, citing casualties, and expelled Iran’s ambassador. This move was followed by Pakistan’s own strikes into Iranian territory, with no official death toll released at the time of reporting.
