WASHINGTON: President Joe Biden remarked on Thursday that the recent air strikes between Pakistan and Iran demonstrated Tehran’s lack of popularity in an increasingly tense region.
Biden, addressing reporters at the White House, stated, “As you can see, Iran is not particularly well-liked in the region,” and noted that the United States is actively working to understand the evolving situation.
The latest exchange of air strikes occurred when Pakistan targeted terrorist hideouts in Iran’s Sistan-Baluchestan province, in response to Iran violating Pakistani airspace two days prior. The Ministry of Foreign Affairs reported that the operation, codenamed ‘Marg Bar Sarmachar,’ resulted in the elimination of several terrorists associated with groups such as the Balochistan Liberation Army (BLA) and Balochistan Liberation Front (BLF).
Iran’s IRNA news agency confirmed nine casualties in the attack on a village in Saravan, with Iranian Interior Minister Ahmad Vahidi stating that all the deceased individuals were foreign nationals.
The White House urged both Iran and Pakistan to avoid further escalation in tensions, emphasizing close monitoring of the situation. National Security Council spokesman John Kirby emphasized the need to prevent escalation in South and Central Asia, revealing ongoing communication with Pakistani counterparts.
During a State Department briefing, spokesperson Matthew Miller condemned the strikes, expressing concern over Iran violating the sovereign borders of three neighboring countries in recent days. While the US had not specifically discussed the matter with Pakistan, Miller voiced hope for a peaceful resolution to the conflict.
