Iran's foreign minister Hossein Amir-Abdollahian has called for a return to harmonious neighborly relations with Pakistan following the targeting of militant hideouts by Pakistan's air force in Iran, media reported on Thursday.
"Let’s renew our commitment to being good neighbors once more,” the Iranian Foreign Ministry said in a statement on Thursday.
Hossein Amir-Abdollahian affirmed Iran's will to see good ties with Pakistan. He emphasized that Iran remains resolute in preventing any external forces from disrupting the positive relationship between the two nations.
"Iran is committed to the policy of good neighborliness and brotherhood with the government and people of Pakistan and does not allow enemies to disturb the good relationship”, the Iranian Foreign Minister told media.
Likewise, Tehran urged Islamabad to take measures to prevent the establishment of "terrorist bases" on its territory.
In a parallel statement, Pakistan echoed this sentiment, emphasizing that the primary motive behind its actions was to safeguard its own security and national interests, considering them paramount and non-negotiable.
“Pakistan has always emphasized dialogue and cooperation," stated Mumtaz Zahra Baloch, the spokeswoman for the Foreign Ministry told Bloomberg by phone.
“We will continue to engage with our neighbor Iran to ensure that peace prevails and that the two countries make concerted and coordinated efforts to combat the threat of terrorism," she added.
Baloch highlighted that Pakistan and Iran maintain "multiple communication channels" through which they can address and discuss the unfolding events.
Iran conducted a missile and drone strike on two purported terrorist bases in Pakistan's southwestern Balochistan province on Tuesday. This marked the first instance of Iran launching an attack on Pakistani territory. The Iranian foreign minister justified the action, stating that it was essential to weaken the threatening Jaish ul-Adl (translated as "Army of Justice") terrorist group. In response, Pakistan carried out a similar strike within Iran later in the week.