Iran and Pakistan 2024-01-30
2024-01-30
TAGS
Response quality
Questions & Answers
Q1
Direct Answer
▸
Context
No specific incident is mentioned beyond a general concern about regional instability and the recent exchange of missiles between Iran and Pakistan.
What recent discussions he has had with his international counterparts on the state of relations between Iran and Pakistan?
The Foreign Secretary has made it clear to his Iranian counterpart that Iran must stop using regional instability as cover to act recklessly. He and Lord Ahmad have also underlined to Pakistan's Foreign Minister the importance of avoiding further escalation. We welcome Iran and Pakistan's subsequent commitment to dialogue in a joint statement released on 22 January, confirming that ambassadors will return to post, and we continue to monitor the situation.
▸
Assessment & feedback
Response accuracy
Q2
Partial Answer
▸
Context
Following the initial question, there was a recent incident where Iranian gunmen murdered nine Pakistanis in the Iranian city of Saravan, leading to air strikes from both sides. This highlights the fragility of the situation and raises concerns about interconnected acts of war and violence.
The Minister will be aware that over the weekend, Iranian gunmen murdered nine Pakistanis in the Iranian city of Saravan. The fact that both countries have launched air strikes against each other indicates how fragile the situation is in the Middle East, and how interconnected acts of war and violence are across the whole region. How will the British Government ensure that their own actions do not escalate tensions?
As I said, Iran must stop using regional instability as cover to carry out its reckless acts. We recognise that it bears responsibility for any further escalation, and we are looking at all the tools that we have to bear down on the Iranian regime, including sanctions.
▸
Assessment & feedback
The specific commitment on how UK actions will avoid escalating tensions was not directly addressed.
Response accuracy