Why Iran attacked Pakistan, how it will affect the region and the world?
Iran launched a daring assault on militant bases in Pakistan’s Balochistan province on Tuesday, escalating tensions in a legal already on edge.
The attack, unprecedented in nature, involved missiles and drones, targeting Jaish Al-Adl, a Sunni militant group. The offensive, however, resulted tragic collateral damage, killing two children and injuring three others. Pakistan’s foreign ministry condemned the strike as an unprovoked violation of its sovereignty, hinting at potential consequences and a strain on bilateral trust.
The attack can be seen as a retaliatory move by Iran. It comes in response to a deadly assault last month on an Iranian police station in the southeastern province of Sistan-Balochistan. Iranian Interior Minister Ahmad Vahidi attributed the attack to Jaish al-Adl, stating that the militants had launched it from the Pakistan side near Panjgur. This incident likely served as a motive behind Iran’s recent military actions.
The attack by Iran on Pakistani soil raises concerns about the relations between the two countries, which have been historically wary of each other. It also raises the risk of further escalation and instability in a region already affected by various conflicts. The attack is part of Iran’s broader strategy in the region, as it responds to perceived threats and projects power, even at the expense of regional stability.
The situation reflects the fragile balance in the region, where geopolitical rivalries, internal conflicts, and the fight against militancy create a volatile mix that can easily ignite. The international community closely watches these developments, particularly as the Biden administration considers designating the Houthis as global terrorists, reflecting the gravity of the situation. Despite retaliatory strikes by the US and its allies, the Houthis continue to carry out attacks, indicating a potential escalation into a larger regional conflict.
In light of these events, the Biden administration is considering re-designating the Houthis as global terrorists. This decision, along with ongoing diplomatic and military efforts by the US, underscores the growing international concern over the expanding scope of these conflicts and the urgent need for a strategic and coordinated response to prevent a full-scale regional war.