Iran Condemns Pakistani Attacks on Border Region, Summons Islamabad’s Envoy

Iranian Foreign Ministry Spokesman Nasser Kana’ani denounced on Thursday the Pakistani strikes on the Southeastern province of Sistan and Baluchestan which claimed the lives of several people.

At least nine people, including four children, three women and two men, have been killed in the missile attacks by Pakistan in the Saravan county on Thursday morning local time, Deputy governor of the province Alireza Marhamati stated.

The foreign ministry spokesperson condemned the raid on the border city, and said that Islamabad’s chargé d’affaires had been summoned by Tehran to convey Iran’s protest to Pakistan and provide an explanation about the attack.

Earlier, Pakistan had claimed it struck “terrorist hideouts” in Iran, but announced that Islamabad has “no interest in escalating any situation” with Tehran.

“Pakistan considers the people of Iran as our friends and brothers and we have no interest in escalating any situation,” Pakistani Foreign Ministry Spokesperson Mumtaz Zahra Baloch told a news conference in Islamabad.

Baloch emphasized that Pakistan believes in dialogue and cooperation, adding, “We also believe that dialogue and cooperation is essential for confronting common challenges, including the menace of terrorism and we would like to continue to engage with all neighbors including Iran.”