Iran has proposed to mediate in order to defuse the rising tensions between Pakistan and India following the killing of 26 people in Jammu and Kashmir. On Friday (April 25), Iranian Foreign Minister Seyyed Abbas Araghchi said, “India and Pakistan are brotherly neighbors to Iran. We enjoy a relationship rooted in centuries-old cultural civilization. Like all our neighbors, we consider them a top priority. Through our embassies in Islamabad and New Delhi, we aim to foster greater understanding between the two countries during this difficult time.”
In the same post where he made the offer on the microblogging site X, the Iranian Foreign Minister also quoted a poem by Persian poet Saadi. In the poem, Saadi wrote, “Human beings are members of a whole, in creation of one essence and soul. If one member is afflicted with pain, other members uneasy will remain.”
Last Tuesday, a deadly armed attack took place in Pahalgam, Indian-administered Jammu and Kashmir. In response, New Delhi accused Pakistan of being indirectly involved and announced the cancellation of the Indus Waters Treaty, suspension of all visa facilities for Pakistanis, and closure of major border crossings. In retaliation, Pakistan made similar decisions — banning Indian aircraft from entering its airspace, closing border crossings, and cancelling visa facilities for Indian nationals.
Today, India’s Minister of Jal Shakti stated that they are working to ensure that not a single drop of Indus River water flows into Pakistan. In response, Pakistan declared yesterday that any attempt by India to block water flow would be considered an act of war and would be met with appropriate action.