US says Iran sponsoring terrorism in the region, condemns missile attack inside Pakistan
Pakistan
US designates Houthis as 'terrorist group'
ISLAMABAD/RAWALPINDI (Dunya News/Web Desk) - The United States on Wednesday described Iran as the leading "funder of terrorism" instability in the region, as it condemed the missile strike in Pakistan carried out.
US State Department spokesperson Matthew Miller condemned Iran’s strikes on Pakistani soil, stated that Iran violated the sovereign borders of three of its neighbors.
He emphasized that Iran was the leading funder of instability in the region and asserted that the presence of American forces, with the support of the Iraqi Government, was crucial for counter-terrorism.
We strongly condemn Iran’s attacks in Erbil and offer condolences to the families of the victims. We oppose Iran’s reckless missile strikes and support the Government of Iraq and the Kurdistan Regional Government’s efforts to meet the aspirations of the Iraqi people.
— Matthew Miller (@StateDeptSpox) January 16, 2024
Miller also reiterated the US response against Houthi attacks in the Red Sea, “The US has taken action against the Houthis, which we have done as part of an international coalition and after a United Nations Security Council resolution condemning the Houthis for their attacks on commercial shipping.” The US has designated Yemen’s Houthis, backed by Iran, as 'terrorist'.
Read more: Pakistan strongly condemns unprovoked violation of its air space by Iran
Iran targeted missiles at two alleged bases of the militant group Jaish al Adl on Tuesday, resulting in the death of two innocent children and injuring three girls.
Also read: Pakistan carries out targeted strikes on terrorist hideouts in Iran
In response, Pakistan recalled its ambassador from Iran on Wednesday and suspended all high-level Iranian visits. Subsequently, on early Thursday morning, Pakistan struck the hideouts of the outlawed Baloch Liberation Army (BLA) and Baloch Liberation Front (BLF) in Iran.
While China has called on both sides to exercise restraint and refrain from actions that could escalate tensions, it is essential to note that China, as the regional global power, has strategic and economic relations with both China and Pakistan.
Michael Kugelman, South Asia Institute Director at The Wilson Center, says China has the will to deescalate the recent rift between the two regional states.
With Pakistan now having retaliated militarily against Iran, now is the time for third-party mediation to ensure that a sudden but increasingly dangerous crisis doesn't spiral out of control.
— Michael Kugelman (@MichaelKugelman) January 18, 2024
Beijing is the most logical intermediary and it has the capacity & leverage to succeed.
