Strikes On Pakistan Only The Latest In Ratcheting-Up Of Tensions

Pakistan has condemned that actions of Iran after the Islamic Republic carried out what it called "precision drone and missile strikes" on strongholds of the Jaish al-Adl, known in Iran as Jaish al-Dhulm, Sunni militant group in the Balochistan province of Pakistan that borders Iran. Islamabad claimed the strikes were an “unprovoked violation of its airspace”.

• The strikes are the third on a foreign nation by Iran in just one week, with targets in Syria and Iraq hit just days ago. A strike on Pakistan is a notably different prospect given that it is a nuclear power. Islamabad has recalled its ambassador to Iran and warned of “serious consequences.”
• The flashpoint has already garnered the attentions of major powers amid global focus on the Middle East. China, which has pursued closer relations with both countries in recent years, advocated "restraint" and called on both gov'ts to "avoid actions that would lead to an escalation of tension". Ministry of Foreign Affairs spox Mao Ning used the term "close neighbours" when talking of the nations, highlighting the closeness of their relations.
• While the Iranian strikes appear unlinked to the Israel-Hamas war, or the ongoing US-led operations against Houthi attacks on Red Sea Shipping, the continued buildup of destabilising events such as these airstrikes in the region serves to both ratchet-up tensions and draw in the focus of more global powers.