'Brotherly Neighbours': Iran Offers Mediation Between India And Pakistan After Pahalgam Attack

Amid the ongoing political escalation over the recent terrorist attack in Jammu and Kashmir's Pahalgam which killed 26 people, Iran on Friday offered mediation as bilateral ties nosedived between India and Pakistan.

Emphasising the importance of peace and stability in the conflict-hit region, Iran's Foreign Minister Seyed Abbas Araghchi termed India and Pakistan as "brotherly neighbours" of Iran while asserting that Tehran considers them a top priority.

"India and Pakistan are brotherly neighbors of Iran, enjoying relations rooted in centuries-old cultural and civilizational ties. Like other neighbors, 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, in line with the spirit taught by Persian poet Saadi: "Human Beings are members of a whole In creation of one essence and soul If one member is inflicted with pain Other members uneasy will remain", Iran Foreign Affairs Minister Seyed Abbas Araghchi posted on X.

India's Diplomatic Downgrade With Pakistan

India's already strained diplomatic relations with Pakistan further took a hit following the heinous terrorist attack targeting civilians in Pahalgam that killed 25 tourists and one local pony handler.

As part of its diplomatic retaliation, India announced a few strong measures including the suspension of Indus Water Treaty (IWT), closure of the Attari border, visa revocation for Pakistani nationals amongst others.

Union Home Minister Amit Shah on Friday urged all the chief ministers to ensure identification and deportation of all Pakistani nationals from their respective states as the government revoked visa for them in view of the latest escalation.

Briefing a two-hour long cabinet meeting presided by PM Modi, Foreign Secretary Vikram Misri on Wednesday said that the cabinet committee reviewed overall security situation, directed all forces to maintain high vigil.

Pakistan Rejects Terrorism Allegation

In a retaliatory response to India's measures, Pakistan on Thursday said it 'rejects' India's decision to revoke the 1960 Indus Water Treaty - which remains a lifeline for its 240 million Pakistanis.

"Any attempt to stop or divert the flow of water belonging to Pakistan as per the Indus Waters Treaty, and the usurpation of the rights of lower riparian will be considered as an act of war and responded with full force across the complete spectrum of national power," the statement released after the National Security Committee (NSC) meeting convened in Islamabad on Thursday mentioned, Pakistani media reported.

The nation vehemently rejected both, India's suspension of the treaty and India's claim that Pakistan was involved in cross-boundary terrorism.

Pakistan also warned that it will go beyond inactivating the Shimla Agreement if India does not break the pattern of unilateral decisions and alleging Pakistan of terrorism.