New Delhi: As tensions between India and Pakistan continue to escalate following the deadly terrorist attack in Pahalgam, Iran has extended an offer to mediate between the two countries, invoking shared history, cultural ties, and a timeless message of unity through a 13th-century Persian poem.
On Friday, Iranian Foreign Minister Seyed Abbas Araghchi expressed concern over the growing hostilities, describing India and Pakistan as “brotherly neighbours” and highlighting Iran’s historic ties with both nations.
“India and Pakistan enjoy centuries-old cultural and civilizational links with Iran. As neighbours and friends, we consider them among our top priorities. Tehran stands ready to use its good offices in both New Delhi and Islamabad to promote understanding and calm during this difficult time,” Araghchi said in an official statement.
To underscore his message of shared humanity, the minister quoted Bani Adam, a renowned Persian poem by Saadi Shirazi, written in the 13th century:
“Human beings are members of a whole, In creation of one essence and soul, If one member is inflicted with pain, Other members uneasy will remain.”
This same poem was famously quoted by former U.S. President Barack Obama in a 2009 message to the Iranian people, symbolizing unity across cultures and faiths.
Diplomatic Push from Gulf Nations
Iran’s diplomatic overture comes amid a flurry of regional efforts to prevent further deterioration in South Asia. Saudi Arabia has also stepped in, with Foreign Minister Prince Faisal bin Farhan holding separate phone conversations with India’s External Affairs Minister S. Jaishankar and Pakistan’s Foreign Minister Ishaq Dar.
“Had a telecon with Foreign Minister @FaisalbinFarhan of Saudi Arabia. Discussed the Pahalgam terrorist attack and its cross-border linkages,” Jaishankar confirmed in a statement.
Rising Tensions After Pahalgam Attack
The mediation offers come in the wake of the April 22 terror attack in Pahalgam, Jammu and Kashmir, in which 26 tourists were killed. India has squarely blamed Pakistan for harboring and enabling terrorist groups responsible for the attack. Islamabad has denied any involvement.
In response, India has taken a series of diplomatic and economic measures, including:
• Suspending the Indus Waters Treaty, a 65-year-old water-sharing agreement
• Shutting down the Attari border crossing with Pakistan
• Expelling Pakistani military attachés and downgrading diplomatic ties
• Ordering Pakistani nationals who entered through Attari to leave by May 1
On Thursday, Pakistan retaliated by closing its airspace to Indian commercial flights and suspending all bilateral and third-party trade with India.
Outlook
The rising hostility between the two nuclear-armed neighbours has triggered concern across the international community. Iran’s and Saudi Arabia’s interventions highlight a regional push for diplomacy amid growing fears of escalation. Whether these efforts lead to dialogue remains uncertain—but they underscore the high stakes in South Asia’s delicate balance.
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