Iran offers to mediate between Pakistan and India amid rising tensions

Amid heightened tensions between India and Pakistan following a terrorist attack in Pahalgam, Jammu and Kashmir, Iran has offered to mediate between the two neighbours to help restore peace.

Iranian Foreign Minister Seyed Abbas Araghchi on Friday emphasised the importance of regional stability, describing India and Pakistan as "brotherly neighbours" and reaffirming Tehran’s commitment to maintaining strong relations with both countries.

Taking to X (formerly Twitter), Araghchi wrote: "India and Pakistan are brotherly neighbors of Iran, enjoying relations rooted in centuries-old cultural and civilizational ties. Like other neighbors, we consider them our foremost priority."

He further stated, "Tehran stands ready to use its good offices in Islamabad and New Delhi to forge greater understanding at this difficult time," quoting Persian poet Saadi to underscore the shared human bond: "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."

The offer comes as Islamabad and New Delhi continue to exchange sharp rhetoric following the recent incident in Kashmir.