Iran’s Miscalculations: A Rudderless Move – OpEd
Iran’s attack in Balochistan and violation of Pakistan sovereignty was undoubtedly a miscalculated and rudderless move. Iranian authorities claim that they attacked the hideouts of Jeysh al-Adl, an organization that Iran holds responsible for attacking that country. In response, While Pakistan has hit 7 targets inside Iran to destroy the BLA/BLF camps in Saravan Jalg area at 6 AM on January 18 using Army and Airforce in an operation called Marg Bar Sarmachar. A tit-for-tat answer to Iranian attack.
By attacking Pakistan, Iran miscalculated Pakistan’s deterrence — a country which is an atomic power, has advanced sophisticated missiles, and has one of the bravest armies in the world. Iranian policy makers must have understood that Pakistan was neither Iraq nor Syria. The rapid response of Pakistan proved that it is not the inferior country which Iran thought.
Secondly, it was a wrong move on the part of Iranian authorities. Decent and peaceful nations donot stage war or infiltrate in the territory of other countries abruptly. If Iran had proof against Jeysh al-Adl, it should have approached Pakistan and resolved the issue with diplomatic means rather than escalation. Being a peace-loving state and the victim of terrorism, Pakistan is against terrorism. Attacking Pakistani soil on the part of Iran does not make sense.
Pakistan has always tried to have warm relations with Iran. It has always tried to resolve its grievances through dialogue and peaceful means.
The irony is that Israel has been involved in Iran and killed the most important general of Iran General Qasim Sulemani a couple of years ago. While, in response Iran has remained silent.
The situation deteriorated further by immature statements of Iranian representatives. Iranian defense minister exaggerated that we have the right to defend our soil for which borders have no value. While in Davos, Iranian representative said that Jeysh al-Adl was being supported by Israel. Both these assertions lack values. If Iran has an issue with Israel it should have settled its scores with Israel and not with Pakistani civilians. In addition, Iran has further ignited the situation and announced it will held military excercises near the Pakistani border. This is irresponsible, pathetic, and unacceptable.
Pakistan and Iran had been good neighbors and had friendly relations in past. Iran was the first country to recognize Pakistan, and supported Pakistan in 1965 and 1971 war. In 1971, all airlines of the PIA were sent to Iran for protection. In addition, Iran has been a key supporter of the stance of Pakistan on the issue of Kashmir. Meanwhile, Pakistan has supported Iran in many issues on international level. Pakistan had wished to connect Chabahar with Gawadar and include Iran as part of the CPEC while at the same time. Pakistan has been a key player of normalizing ties between Iran and Saudi Arabia.
Both Iran and Pakistan are Muslim brotherly states with many cultural and religious similarities. They are not foes.
There is a dire need for de-escalation. And the key responsiblity is on the shoulders of Iranian leadership. They should feel the sensitivity of the situation. Their miscalculations about Pakistan and rudderless moves will harm Iran mostly. Sanity must prevail and all bilateral issues should be resolved through dialogue.
