Commons Sense

House of Commons · Ministers' Questions

Iran and Pakistan

Tuesday 30 January 2024 · 2 questions

Summarised by AI from the official record, so it can contain mistakes.

Read the full transcript on Parliament.uk

At a glance

Answered 1 Partly answered 1 Not answered 0

Key points

  • Foreign Secretary has discussed with Iranian and Pakistani counterparts the need to avoid further regional instability and escalation.
  • Iranian gunmen killed nine Pakistanis in Saravan, prompting air strikes between the two countries.
  • UK considers using sanctions to address Iran's actions and prevent further escalation.

Topics (select to filter)

Questions & Answers

Q1 Jonathan Edwards PC
Foreign Affairs
Context

No specific incident is mentioned beyond a general concern about regional instability and the recent exchange of missiles between Iran and Pakistan.

Question

What recent discussions he has had with his international counterparts on the state of relations between Iran and Pakistan?

Answer from David Rutley

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.

Answered
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Q2 Jonathan Edwards PC
Foreign Affairs
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.

Question

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?

Answer from David Rutley

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.

Partly answered

Not addressed: The specific commitment on how UK actions will avoid escalating tensions was not directly addressed.

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