War: Iran vs. Pakistan

Introduction

Recently, there has been a bombing incident by Iran inside Pakistani territory, raising concerns about Iran's actions and provocations in the Middle East. This incident has also intensified global apprehension about Iran's intentions towards Israel. To understand the complex relationship between Iran and Pakistan, it is important to examine the historical context and ongoing tensions between the two countries.

• An overview of the recent bombing incident by Iran inside Pakistani territory

• Iran's actions and provocations in the Middle East

• Global apprehension about Iran's intentions towards Israel

• Introduction to the complex relationship between Iran and Pakistan

Historical Background and Current Issues

Iran's transformation into a Shia Islamic Republic began after the Iranian Revolution of 1979. Following this revolution, Iran adopted a Shia version of Israel, exerting pressure on Sunni-dominated countries where it perceived Shia communities to be oppressed.

In Pakistan, approximately 15% of the population is Shia, and they have faced ongoing oppression and sectarian violence. Iran keeps a close eye on this situation and exerts constant pressure on Pakistan to lessen the oppression Shia communities endure.

However, it is important to note that Pakistan has been creating and supporting Sunni militias, not necessarily to oppress Shias but to create jihadis against India. Unfortunately, these militias often act independently and carry out terrorist activities, which have had severe consequences for Shia communities.

One particular group that has targeted Shias in Pakistan is the Jash Adel, also known as the Army of Justice. This Sunni militia has been responsible for numerous terrorist activities inside Iran. Despite Iran raising this issue with the Pakistani establishment, the Pakistani military has been reluctant to take action against these militias, fearing that it could provoke them to carry out terrorist activities in major Pakistani cities.

The persecution of Shia Hazaras and other Shia groups in Pakistan is well documented and has garnered international attention. However, the Pakistani military's reluctance to take action against Sunni militias has further exacerbated the situation.

These ongoing issues between Iran and Pakistan highlight the complex relationship between the two countries, with historical, religious, and geopolitical factors at play. The recent bombing incident by Iran inside Pakistani territory has further strained the relationship, leading to severed diplomatic relations between the two nations.

Terrorism and Militancy Operating from Pakistani Territory

Pakistan's former prime minister Imran Khan's admission of terrorism originating from Pakistan is a significant acknowledgment. Khan himself stated during his trip to Iran that there were militias operating from Pakistani soil carrying out terrorist activities inside Iran. This admission has strained Pakistan's relationship with Iran and raised concerns about Pakistan's role in supporting and turning a blind eye to terror outfits.

Pakistan has a history of creating and supporting Sunni militias, not necessarily to oppress Shias but to create jihadists against India. However, these militias often act independently and carry out terrorist activities, which have had severe consequences for Shia communities in Pakistan. One such group, the Jash Adel, or the Army of Justice, has specifically targeted Shias in Pakistan and has been responsible for numerous terrorist activities inside Iran.

Iran has repeatedly raised this issue with Pakistan, expressing their concerns about terrorism originating from Pakistani territory. In fact, Iranian intelligence has identified the houses of the perpetrators and carried out bombings to target them. Despite these complaints and actions, Pakistan has been reluctant to take action against these militias, fearing it could provoke them to carry out terrorist activities in major Pakistani cities.

These actions have strained Pakistan's relationship not only with Iran but also with India, Afghanistan, and other countries. Pakistan's strained relationship with these nations is primarily due to concerns about terrorism and militancy operating from Pakistani territory. Pakistan's support for these militias has led to ongoing tensions and conflicts in the region.

Iran's unprecedented bombing of Pakistan

Iran's recent bombing incident inside Pakistani territory has raised concerns and sparked international attention. This act of aggression by Iran is unprecedented, as they have never gone so deep inside Pakistani territory before. The bombing targeted terrorist bases, resulting in the deaths of six individuals, including two children.

Previously, Iran had engaged in skirmishes at the border with Pakistani militants. However, their decision to bomb terrorist targets inside Pakistan is a significant escalation of their actions. This bold move has left many wondering about Iran's intentions and motivations.

One possible reason behind Iran's actions is their frustration with the Pakistani government's reluctance to take action against Sunni militias operating from Pakistani territory. These militias, such as the Jash Adel (Army of Justice), have carried out numerous terrorist activities inside Iran. Despite Iran's complaints and pleas for action, Pakistan has been hesitant, fearing retaliation and further terrorist attacks within its own borders.

As a result of this bombing incident, Pakistan has severed diplomatic relations with Iran and vowed revenge. This escalating tension between the two nations has further complicated their already complex relationship.

It remains to be seen how Pakistan will respond to Iran's aggression. There is a possibility of limited retaliation, but Pakistan is also likely to emphasize its restraint and responsibility in the interest of regional stability. Additionally, Pakistan may use this situation to seek support and assistance from the United States, both economically and in terms of modern weaponry.

However, it is important to note that a full-scale war between Pakistan and Iran is unlikely, as it would have significant consequences for both countries and the region as a whole. The international community will be closely watching the developments and hoping for a peaceful resolution to this escalating conflict.

Potential Retaliation and Global Reactions

It remains to be seen how Pakistan will respond to Iran's aggression. While there is a possibility of limited retaliation, Pakistan is also likely to emphasize its restraint and responsibility in the interest of regional stability. Pakistan understands the potential consequences of a full-scale war with Iran, including the destabilization of both countries and the broader region.

There are several factors that motivate Pakistan's desire to display responsibility and restraint. Firstly, Pakistan is aware of the economic strife it currently faces and the need for financial support, particularly from the United States. However, the United States has been reluctant to provide military aid to Pakistan in the past, given Pakistan's history of double-crossing and misusing military equipment.

Furthermore, the conflict between Iran and Pakistan could have significant implications for the stability of Pakistan. Pakistan already faces ongoing sectarian violence between Sunni and Shia communities, and an escalation of the conflict with Iran could further exacerbate these tensions. The Pakistani military's reluctance to take action against Sunni militias operating from Pakistani territory has already strained relations not only with Iran but also with India, Afghanistan, and other countries.

In conclusion, while the global community watches the developments between Iran and Pakistan closely, it is important to recognize the complexities of their relationship. Pakistan's limited retaliation, desire to showcase responsibility, economic strife, and past experiences with the United States all play a role in shaping Pakistan's response. It is impossible to understate the impact of this conflict on Pakistan's stability, and the international community is hoping for a peaceful resolution.

Iran's Strategic Calculations and Possible Outcomes

Iran believes that a widening conflict would work in its favor. Despite global apprehension about its actions and provocations in the Middle East, Iran sees the opportunity to unite the Iranian public under the banner of the Islamic regime. Currently, only 15% of the Iranian public supports the Islamic Republic of Iran, while 80% desire democracy. By opening multiple fronts and provoking the West, Pakistan, Afghanistan, and even Israel, Iran hopes to spark a conflict that will rally public support for the regime.

However, it is unlikely that the Iranian public will fully support the Islamic regime. The people of Iran are fed up with the regime's oppressive policies and corruption. No matter what happens, the majority of Iranians are unlikely to back the regime that has caused so much suffering. Iran's calculations that a wider conflict will unite the public may not hold true.

Iran's provocation tactics, such as encouraging Hamas and the Houthis to carry out attacks, aim to keep tensions high and maintain a narrative of resistance against perceived Western aggression. By keeping multiple fronts open, Iran hopes to divert attention from internal issues and consolidate support among its allies and within its own borders.

A larger conflict could have severe consequences for Iran. It risks further isolation from the international community and potential military intervention from countries like the United States. The destabilization of the region and increased sectarian violence would also pose significant challenges to Iran's stability.

It is important to recognize that the Iranian public's support for the regime is unlikely. The people of Iran have long desired democracy and have been vocal about their dissatisfaction with the current regime. Iran's strategic calculations and provocations may not have the desired outcome of uniting the public and instead may further exacerbate tensions and lead to the regime's downfall.

Conclusion

In conclusion, historical, religious, and geopolitical factors all influence the complex relationship between Iran and Pakistan. The recent bombing incident by Iran inside Pakistani territory has raised concerns and intensified global apprehension about Iran's actions and provocations in the Middle East. Iran's continued encouragement of Hamas and the Houthis, as well as its support for Sunni militias, has opened multiple fronts and strained its relationship not only with Pakistan but also with the West and other countries.

Iran's strategic calculations in provoking conflicts with various nations aim to unite the Iranian public under the banner of the Islamic regime. However, the majority of Iranians are fed up with the oppressive policies and corruption of the regime, making it unlikely that a wider conflict will garner their support.

The people of Iran's sentiment towards the Islamic regime, coupled with the potential consequences of a larger conflict, including further isolation from the international community and potential military intervention, pose challenges to Iran's stability. The impact on Pakistan's stability and its strained relationship with other nations also cannot be underestimated.

In the midst of these complexities, it is important for the international community to closely monitor the developments between Iran and Pakistan and hope for a peaceful resolution to this escalating conflict. The global reactions and potential alliances formed in response to Iran's provocations will undoubtedly shape the future of the region and its stability.