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As tensions between India and Pakistan reach a boiling point following a deadly attack on tourists in Kashmir, Iranian Foreign Minister Abbas Araghchi has publicly offered Tehran's assistance in mediating the crisis. In a post on social media, Araghchi emphasized the longstanding cultural and civilizational ties between the two nations, saying, "Tehran stands ready to use its good offices in Islamabad and New Delhi to forge greater understanding at this difficult time." Newsweek has reached out to Iran's foreign ministry for comment.
Why It Matters The stakes in the India-Pakistan conflict are high, with both countries possessing nuclear weapons. Iran's mediation efforts offer a potential path to de-escalation and peace, while avoiding further destabilization of the region. Tehran's involvement also reflects its ongoing commitment to regional stability and may have significant geopolitical ramifications, particularly in its relations with Pakistan and India.
Muslim demonstrators shout slogans as they burn an effigy symbolising terrorism after offering their Friday prayers at a mosque in Jalandhar on April 25, 2025, condemning the killing of tourists by gunmen in Kashmir's Pahalgam…. Muslim demonstrators shout slogans as they burn an effigy symbolising terrorism after offering their Friday prayers at a mosque in Jalandhar on April 25, 2025, condemning the killing of tourists by gunmen in Kashmir's Pahalgam. Relations have plunged to their lowest level in years, with India accusing Pakistan of supporting "cross-border terrorism" after gunmen carried out the worst attack on civilians in contested Muslim-majority Kashmir for a quarter of a century. More Shammi Mehra/Getty Images What to Know Iranian Foreign Minister Abbas Araghchi posted on X that, "India and Pakistan are brotherly neighbors of Iran, enjoying relations rooted in centuries-old cultural and civilizational ties."
He reiterated Tehran's readiness to help bring the two countries together during this critical moment. As part of his diplomatic outreach, Araghchi included a poem by the renowned Persian poet Saadi, underscoring the shared humanity of the two nations. India and Pakistan are brotherly neighbors of Iran, enjoying relations rooted in centuries-old cultural and civilizational ties.
Like other neighbors, we consider them our foremost priority. Tehran stands ready to use its good offices in Islamabad and New Delhi to forge greater… pic.twitter.com/5XsZnEPg2D — Seyed Abbas Araghchi (@araghchi) April 25, 2025 Araghchi's call for peace comes after the April 22, attack in Kashmir, which claimed the lives of 26 people, including 25 Indian nationals. The attack was claimed by The Resistance Front, a militant group linked to Lashkar-e-Taiba, a Pakistan-based terrorist organization.
Pakistan has said it does not support attacks in Kashmir. The attack has further strained relations between India and Pakistan, with both nations threatening military action. Iran's outreach emphasizes diplomacy and the potential for de-escalation through dialogue.
Iran's Position and Regional Influence Iran's diplomatic offer is significant given its strategic relationships with both India and Pakistan. As a key regional player, Iran has been able to maintain strong ties with both countries through trade, energy, and cultural exchange. Tehran's role as a potential mediator could provide a neutral avenue for peace talks, especially given its unique position as a neighbor with shared interests in stability.
Iran's Foreign Minister Abbas Araghchi attends a joint press conference with Russian Foreign Minister following their talks in Moscow on April 18, 2025. Iran's Foreign Minister Abbas Araghchi attends a joint press conference with Russian Foreign Minister following their talks in Moscow on April 18, 2025. Tatyana Makeyeva/Getty Images What People Are Saying Iranian Foreign Minister Abbas Araghchi wrote: "Tehran stands ready to use its good offices in Islamabad and New Delhi to forge greater understanding at this difficult time."
Indian Prime Minister Narendra Modi warned: "India will identify, track and punish every terrorist, their handlers and their backers. We will pursue them to the ends of the earth." Office of Pakistan's Prime Minister Shehbaz Sharif stated: "In the absence of any credible investigation and verifiable evidence, attempts to link the Pahalgam attack with Pakistan are frivolous, devoid of rationality and defeat logic."
What Happens Next Iran's offer to mediate comes at a critical moment, but the response from India and Pakistan remains uncertain. Both nations have historically been resistant to international intervention in their bilateral disputes. However, Iran's role as a neighbor with strong diplomatic ties could make its mediation offer more acceptable.
