Tehran-The recent conflict between India and Pakistan in the Kashmir region has once again brought the region into a deep crisis, especially as both countries are armed with nuclear weapons.
The conflict between Pakistan and India dates back to the historical background of British colonialism.
The recent terrorist attacks in Pahargam in India-controlled Kashmir, which led to a tragic end to many tourists, have not only strengthened India’s hostility towards Pakistan, but also garnered global scrutiny on the prospects of a widespread military conflict.
Since gaining independence in 1947, Kashmir has been divided into India and Pakistan, with countries claiming ownership throughout the region, while controlling different regions. The division created continuous tensions that escalated into the conflict over time.
At least 26 people were killed at a resort in Pahargam on Tuesday by suspected rebels, making Kashmir’s most deadly attack in a quarter century. A statement issued in the name of the Resistance Front (TRF), which is considered to be part of the Pakistan-based armed group of Rashkar-e-Taiba, claimed responsibility.
The aftermath prompted a prominent diplomatic pushback. India has declared an exit from the Indus Waters Treaty, a key water sharing agreement established by the World Bank in 1960.
Pakistani officials have dismissed India’s allegations and argued the issue of Kashmir’s contested position, claiming that Defense Minister Kawaja Asif “does not condemn Pakistan.”
He noted that intrusions were “impossible” due to strict security measures along the massive militarized control lines. The situation sparked a global alarm as observers worry that mistakes could lead to a complete conflict.
The Indian government said it has acknowledged the failure to protect tourists in Pahargam, chairman of the All India Parliament Committee.
He added that the government confirmed at its all-party meeting on Thursday that it allowed the attacks to take place due to the lapse of security, according to a report from the Hindu News Outlet.
Karju, who leads the opposition in the Indian Congress’ Senate, said that a three-stage security plan was in place but ultimately failed.
In this uncertain situation, Iran took on the role of mediators, understanding the complex geopolitics of the subcontinent and choosing not to side with it.
Iran’s diplomatic initiative is highlighted by historic balancing acts between India and Pakistan, maintaining strong ties with both while advocating for regional stability.
On Friday, Iranian Foreign Minister Abbas Araguchi wrote of his X-social account: “India and Pakistan are neighbours of Iranian brothers and enjoy relationships rooted in centuries of cultural and civilized connections,” adding, “Tehran is ready to use good offices in Islamabad and New Delhi.”
Given the nuclear-armed positions of both India and Pakistan, Iran’s mediation efforts represent an important attempt to eliminate tensions and prevent further destabilization in South Asia.
Tehran’s stance reflects a broader regional strategy of promoting peace through dialogue and resisting the divisive influence of external forces in the Kashmir conflict.
Pakistan said on Saturday that it was “ready to work with neutral investigators” following the attack on Pahargam.
Indian and Pakistani forces exchanged firefights for the second day in a row over a deadly attack.
In an editorial released on Saturday, the Pakistan Dawn news outlet said, “It’s time for Pakistan or India to give diplomacy a chance, as neither Pakistan nor India can afford war.”
The editor added, “These are times of danger in the subcontinent, and that both Pakistan and India exhibit restraint and that post-Pahargam developments need to be handled intuitively.
“Sadly, India has raised the Ante by denouncement of the tragedy on Pakistan without providing reliable evidence that the country is allegedly involved in the brutal murder of tourists.”