Iran and Pakistan decide to reinstate ambassadors after recent tensions

Following a recent exchange of deadly strikes, Iran and Pakistan have agreed to de-escalate tensions, leading to the decision to allow the respective ambassadors to resume their duties.

The joint statement issued by the foreign ministries in Tehran and Islamabad stated, "It has been mutually agreed that the ambassadors of both countries may return to their respective posts by January 26."

The move comes after Pakistan launched airstrikes on "militant targets" in Iran, responding to similar strikes by Iran on its territory.

Iran specified that its strikes targeted Jaish al-Adl, a group designated as a "terrorist" organisation by Iran, known for carrying out deadly attacks in the country. However, the airstrikes resulted in civilian casualties, prompting a strong response from Pakistan, which recalled its ambassador from Tehran and prevented Iran's envoy from returning to Islamabad.

Iran's Foreign Minister Hossein Amir-Abdollahian is scheduled to visit Pakistan on January 29, following an invitation from his Pakistani counterpart Jalil Abbas Jilani. The decisions to resume ambassadorial duties and Amir-Abdollahian's upcoming visit were announced after a phone call between Jilani and Amir-Abdollahian, reported AFP.

The recent military actions occurred in the Baluchistan region, shared by both countries, contributing to heightened regional tensions.

Sistan-Baluchistan, predominantly Sunni in Shiite-dominated Iran, has witnessed ongoing unrest involving cross-border activities, ethnic minority rebels, and jihadist elements. The nations' agreement to de-escalate and reinstate ambassadors signals a step toward diplomatic resolution amid the complex geopolitical dynamics in the region.