Iran and Saudi Arabia are now engaging with India and Pakistan in a bid to diffuse existing tensions. This outreach highlights the evolving geopolitical landscape and the potential for new mediation efforts.
BY PC Bureau
In the wake of the devastating terror attack in Jammu and Kashmir’s Pahalgam, which tragically claimed 26 lives and left many injured, a flurry of diplomatic activity unfolded on Friday. As tensions escalated between India and Pakistan, two prominent voices from the Middle East offered to mediate, highlighting the international concern over the situation.
Iran, calling India and Pakistan its “brotherly neighbours,” extended a hand of mediation. Foreign Minister Seyed Abbas Araghchi stated Tehran’s readiness to foster greater understanding between the two nations during this challenging time. In a post on X, Araghchi emphasized the deep-rooted cultural and civilizational ties Iran shares with both countries, considering them a “foremost priority.”
He invoked the wisdom of the 13th-century Persian poet Saadi Shirazi, underscoring the spirit of unity and interconnectedness of humanity as the guiding principle for Tehran’s mediation efforts. The Iranian Embassy in New Delhi had earlier strongly condemned the terrorist attack, expressing condolences and wishing a swift recovery to the injured.
READ: Gandhi Condemns Pahalgam Attack, Laments Attacks on Kashmiris
This offer to mediate was not unprecedented, as Iran had made similar proposals following the Pulwama attack in 2019 and even earlier in 2016 regarding the Kashmir issue, consistently hoping for improved relations between the two South Asian neighbours.
Simultaneously, Saudi Arabia also engaged in diplomatic outreach. Foreign Minister Faisal bin Farhan Al Saud held separate telephonic conversations with his Indian and Pakistani counterparts, Dr S Jaishankar and Ishaq Dar, respectively.
Jaishankar talked about the conversation in a post on X. “Had a telecon with Foreign Minister @FaisalbinFarhan of Saudi Arabia. Discussed the Pahalgam terrorist attack and its cross-border linkages.”
Earlier in the day, Jaishankar briefed Al Saud about the Pahalgam attack and its “cross-border linkages,” a point he highlighted in a social media post.
Subsequently, Al Saud
Had a telecon with Foreign Minister @FaisalbinFarhan of Saudi Arabia.
Discussed the Pahalgam terrorist attack and its cross-border linkages.
🇮🇳 🇸🇦
— Dr. S. Jaishankar (@DrSJaishankar) April 25, 2025
spoke with Pakistan’s Foreign Minister Dar, who provided an update on Islamabad’s retaliatory decisions in response to India’s announced punitive measures. Dar stated on X that both leaders agreed to continue consultations and coordination on the evolving regional situation.
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Pakistan’s Ministry of Foreign Affairs further elaborated that Dar had briefed Prince Faisal on the decisions taken by Pakistan’s National Security Committee, rejecting India’s allegations and cautioning against further escalation, while reaffirming Pakistan’s resolve to respond firmly to any aggression. The Saudi statement emphasized the agreement between the two foreign ministers to maintain close communication amidst the heightened tensions.
Thus, amidst the rising diplomatic heat following the Pahalgam terror attack, both Iran and Saudi Arabia stepped forward, offering their good offices and engaging in direct communication with India and Pakistan, signaling a shared desire within the international community to de-escalate the situation and foster dialogue between the two neighbours.”
