As diplomatic and military tensions between India and Pakistan simmer following Tuesday’s deadly terrorist attack in Pahalgam, Iran has stepped forward with an offer to mediate between the two countries. Citing centuries-old civilizational ties and invoking a Persian poem from the 13th century, Tehran said it is ready to help defuse tensions in the region. Iranian Foreign Minister Seyed Abbas Araghchi on Friday described both India and Pakistan as “brotherly neighbours”.
“India and Pakistan are brotherly neighbours of Iran, enjoying relations rooted in centuries-old cultural and civilizational ties. Like other neighbours, we consider them our foremost priority. Tehran stands ready to use its good offices in Islamabad and New Delhi to forge greater understanding at this difficult time,” he said.