Following the tragic terror attack in Pahalgam, Jammu and Kashmir, which claimed the lives of 26 individuals, primarily tourists, Iran has offered to facilitate dialogue between India and Pakistan to de-escalate tensions. The attack was claimed by The Resistance Front (TRF), a group believed to be a front for Pakistan-based Lashkar-e-Taiba, causing a sharp increase in tensions between the two nuclear-armed neighbors.
On Friday, Iranian Foreign Minister Seyed Abbas Araghchi took to X (formerly Twitter) to express Tehran’s willingness to help. In his post, Araghchi wrote, “India and Pakistan are neighbors with historical cultural and civilizational ties to Iran. As neighbors, they are our top priority. Iran stands ready to use its good offices in Islamabad and New Delhi to foster understanding in these challenging times.” He further quoted Persian poet Saadi, “The human race is a single body, in the creation of one essence and soul. If one member is afflicted, all other members feel it.”
Iran had earlier vehemently condemned the attack, labeling it a “grave crime” and urging collective international action against terrorism. The country extended its condolences to India and emphasized the need for bringing the perpetrators and their sponsors to justice.
In response to the attack, India announced a series of punitive measures against Pakistan, including the suspension of the Indus Water Treaty, halting cross-border trade via the Attari checkpoint, downgrading diplomatic ties, and suspending visas for Pakistani nationals. The Cabinet Committee on Security approved these steps, viewing them as a response to Pakistan’s ongoing support for cross-border terrorism.
Prime Minister Narendra Modi addressed the issue during a rally in Bihar’s Madhubani, vowing, “India will identify, track, and punish every terrorist and their backers. We will pursue them to the ends of the earth. India’s spirit will never be broken by terrorism. Terrorism will not go unpunished.”
Pakistan, denying involvement in the Pahalgam incident, retaliated with its own set of measures, including shutting down the Wagah border crossing, suspending all SAARC visas for Indian nationals, halting trade, closing its airspace to Indian carriers, and announcing the suspension of the Simla Agreement, a key bilateral accord signed in 1972. Pakistan also warned that any attempt by India to divert water under the Indus Water Treaty would be considered an “act of war.”
Saudi Arabia and the United Nations have shown diplomatic concern over the escalating crisis. Saudi Arabia’s Foreign Minister Prince Faisal bin Farhan Al Saud held separate phone calls with India’s External Affairs Minister S. Jaishankar and Pakistan’s Foreign Minister Mohammad Ishaq Dar. The United Nations Secretary-General António Guterres also urged both nations to exercise “maximum restraint” and avoid any further deterioration of the situation.
A separate incident at the India-Pakistan border involved a soldier from India’s Border Security Force (BSF), who was taken into custody by Pakistan Rangers after accidentally crossing the International Border in Punjab’s Ferozepur district. Negotiations are underway to ensure the soldier’s safe return.
The Pahalgam attack, its cross-border implications, and the subsequent retaliatory steps have raised concerns about military escalation in South Asia. With both India and Pakistan maintaining firm positions and global actors now engaged in diplomacy, the situation remains precarious. Iran’s message of unity and shared humanity stands in stark contrast to the hardening positions on both sides, but it remains unclear whether mediation efforts will produce results. For now, the region waits with bated breath.
