Iran and Pakistan Exchange Airstrikes Amid Rising Tensions

Strikes Target Insurgent Groups in Balochistan, Both Countries Seek to Avoid Further Conflict

Iran and Pakistan have exchanged airstrikes targeting insurgent groups in each other's territories, marking a significant escalation in their fraught relations.
The strikes were aimed at separatist groups fighting for the independence of Balochistan, a region spanning both countries and parts of Afghanistan.
Balochistan is rich in natural resources but its population is among the poorest in Iran and Pakistan, and the region has been a hotbed of insurgent activity for decades.
Both Iran and Pakistan have accused each other of leniency towards these insurgent groups, leading to the recent cross-border strikes.
Despite the escalation, both countries have stated they do not want further conflict, with Pakistan's Foreign Ministry emphasizing its respect for the Iranian people and its desire for dialogue.