TEHRAN – Iranian President Masudo Pezeshkian condemned the recent terrorist attacks in India’s Pahargam and offered to mediate Tehran in separate calls between India and Pakistan on Saturday to promote tensions between India and Pakistan.
During his conversation with Modi, Pezeshkian expressed his “deep sadness” at the attack on Pahargam, killing and wounding dozens of civilians, highlighting Iran’s solidarity with India.
“The Islamic Republic of Iran is strongly condemning these inhumane terrorist acts,” he said, adding that regional stability depends on “collective efforts to eradicate the roots of terrorism.”
Pezeshkian praised the enduring legacy of India’s great leaders, saying that Iran recognizes the Indian state through illustrious figures such as Mahatma Gandhi and Jawaharlal Nehru, who were “peace, friendship and harmonious coexistence on the global stage.”
“We hope that this guide vision and strategic approach will continue to function as the basis for India’s relationship with all countries around the world,” the Iranian president added.
He also highlighted the economic ties that he calls the “strategic corridor” that connects Iran, India and Russia, particularly the importance of the Chabahar Port Project.
Modi thanked Pezeshkian for his signifying Iranian despair, saying, “Your empathy is deeply appreciated, especially given Iran’s tragic experience of terrorism.”
He praised Iran’s role in global peace efforts, reflecting the need for regional unity against terrorism and including promoting diplomatic solutions to tensions with the United States.
Later, in consultations with Sharif, Pezeshkian expressed concern over the rising tensions in India and Pakistan and repeated Iran’s preparations to promote dialogue.
“We consider Pakistan as our brother’s neighbor and stand with both countries to resolve the misconceptions,” he said.
Emphasizing the importance of strengthening scientific, economic and cultural cooperation between Islamic countries, Pezeschkian said, “Economic relations, co-investment, expansion of scientific and technological partnerships and a coordinated fight against terrorism serve as the basis for our broader cooperation.”
Sharif welcomed Iranian mediation, saying, “Pakistan supports a transparent investigation into the incidents that took place in India and values its role in stabilizing Tehran.”
The Iranian president invited both Modi and Sharif to Tehran for consultation, and Sharif proposed a preparatory meeting at the Foreign Minister level for Tehran’s visit.
Pezeshkian’s diplomatic shaking followed Iran’s Foreign Minister Abbas Aragut’s offer to mediate on Friday, describing India and Pakistan as “brothers’ neighbours” who share “centuries-old cultural and civilized relations.”
Araguchi evoked the poems by the Persian poet Saadi. “Man is a member of one essence and the creation of the soul.”
Kashmir at the intersection
The Pahargam attack, reportedly claimed by a derivative of Lashkar e Tayba, reportedly strengthened the long-standing hostility between New Delhi and Islamabad.
India responded by revoking most visas in Pakistan and suspending the 1960 Indus Water Treaty. This is what Pakistan called a “act of war.”
The bombardment across the border was then escalated, with both countries mobilizing troops along the control of Kashmir (LOC).
Kashmir, a Muslim majority region, has been a flash point since the division of British India in 1947.
Both countries fully assert it, but three wars have been fought through the territory. India revoked Kashmir’s autonomy in 2019, causing tensions to deepen. Despite the UN seeking a referendum, the conflict remains unresolved, aggravated by allegations of transnational extremists and state-sponsored terrorism.
The Kashmir conflict calls for a subtle and fair approach. Iran is considered uniquely suited to this role, with deep historical ties to both countries. Unlike other regional authority, Iran maintains a balanced relationship between India and Pakistan, increasing its credibility as a mediator.
It maintains a strong trade and energy ties with India, while sharing a cultural affinity between its 900 km border and Pakistan.
Tehran mediated regional conflicts during Armenia-Azerbaijan negotiations regarding the 2001 Afghan crisis and the Nagorno-Karabakh conflict, indicating its preference for dialogue.