The resurgence of Pakistan-Iran relations despite international pressure is an indication of a big regional change. In the coming years, the relations could be mainly assisted by the oil and gas trade which could make Pakistan a hub for regional development. The growing friendship could lead to a new era of regional stability.
Pakistan-Iran relationship has historically pursued a complex interdependence. Over the years, the two countries have experienced the times of strong friendship as well as extensive clashes that deteriorated their relationship. However, the current geopolitical situation of the world has pushed this relationship to another level. The continuously growing affection between Islamabad and Tehran is not merely a coincidence, it is the outcome of a rapidly evolving geopolitical landscape and Pakistan’s effective mediating diplomacy.
The Tensions from the Past: The Reasons for the Deteriorated Relationship
In the past few years, the trust deficit has emerged as a significant hurdle, which has prevented both countries from fostering brotherly ties. The core conflict that flared the tensions between Pakistan and Iran could be termed as a security issue on a 900 km long joint border. According to Reuters, in January 2024, Iran launched missile strikes in Pakistan to target a militant organization operating in Balochistan. According to DAWN reports, in retaliation for the attacks, Pakistan conducted coordinated strikes against the terrorist militant groups in Iran’s Sistan-O-Baluchistan province. On another instance, in June 2023, DAWN reported the killing of 2 Pakistani soldiers near the border of Iran in Kech district. These cross-border skirmishes deteriorated Pakistan-Iran ties in the past as Iran failed to remove these militant groups from its land.
Moreover, according to the August 2023 reports of Middle East Monitor, the sanctions threat on Iran and continuous US pressure on Pakistan has led to the postponement of the Pakistan-Iran gas pipeline project. In the past, strategic analysts believed that both countries were equally important to each other, but couldn’t come close due to third-party pressure.
The Fundamental Reasons of Improved Relations: Pakistan’s Diplomatic Role
Pakistan maintains an active neutral stance in the ongoing US/Israel-Iran war and plays a pivotal role by mediating between the warring parties. This diplomatic stance by Pakistan helped both states come closer and transform their relationship into an improved and strong friendship. According to Al Jazeera, Pakistan not only hosted the Islamabad Peace Talks but also acted as a back-channel bridge between the US/Israel and Iran to halt the intensive missile exchanges between the warring parties. Subsequently, Pakistan’s diplomatic efforts made Iran realize that Pakistan is its most trusted neighbor that could assist Iran to come out of international isolation. According to Al Jazeera, when Pakistan persuaded the US and Israel to attend table talks, Iran welcomed it as a gesture of Pakistan’s true friendship in addition to its diplomatic victory. That’s why the Iranian leadership is giving more importance than ever before to Islamabad’s voice.
The economy also plays a significant role in the resurgence of relations between Pakistan and Iran. According to the latest Energy Now report, closure of strait of Hormuz has led to a massive surge in oil and gas prices and has swiftly impacted the Asian region. The destruction of Qatar’s LNG export plant possesses imminent threat to Pakistan’s economy, where a huge surge in oil prices has been recorded. Therefore, the most suitable solution to the country’s energy crisis is for Pakistan to import oil and gas from Iran. The recent developments have shown that despite international pressure, both countries are prioritizing and working in accordance with their national interests.
Regional Implications
The growing friendship between Pakistan and Iran is evolving the power balance in Asia. China is the biggest supporter of this continuously growing Pakistan-Iran alliance. According to the latest Business Recorder report, Pakistan is actively engaged in shifting its trade routes from traditional Afghan-dependent ones to China and Iran to access the central Asian states. This is because the Afghanistan route is insecure and often hinders trade due to border closures. This is significant for Chinese regional interests as China wants Iran to become a CPEC partner so that Gwadar and Chahbahar could perform as sister-ports. This would provide China with secure and cheap access to the Middle East.
This transformation of Pakistan-Iran relations is a great setback for India. According to Al Jazeera, in 2024 India signed a ten year agreement with Iran to develop its Chabahar Port which could paved India’s way to access central Asia. India made huge investments in Iran to access Central Asia, bypassing its regional rival Pakistan. However, it seems like India’s isolation policy would fail due to the growing closeness between Pakistan and Iran. Over the years, Pakistan has blamed India for settling its proxies in Iran to conduct cross-border terrorism in Pakistan. Now India’s proxy war against Pakistan could be over as a result of the continuous strengthening of Pakistan-Iran ties. Subsequently, bright chances emerge for a peaceful Afghanistan as a result of the resurgence of Pakistan-Iran ties as both countries desire a stable political government in Afghanistan.
Strategic realignment
This new journey of Pakistan and Iran is not merely a temporary alliance but rather a strategic realignment. In recent times, Pakistan has proven its capability to halt wars. For Iran, Pakistan emerges as a diplomatic shield. To make this friendship even stronger, both countries should develop a joint task force and protect their economic ties from international sanctions by promoting barter trade. The resurgence of Pakistan-Iran ties would eventually contribute to a peaceful Afghanistan. This would lead to the new era of regional stability.
References
- (2024, January 18). Iran and its proxies: Widening violence in the Middle East.
- (2024, January 19). Cross-border strikes: The future of Pak-Iran security
- Al Jazeera. (2026, April 8). How Pakistan managed to get the US and Iran to a ceasefire.
- (2026, April 17). Iran war pushes Asia to think twice before doubling down on LNG
- Business Recorder. (2026, April 21). Pakistan anchors connectivity through China and Iran as preferred routes
- Al Jazeera. (2024, May 17). Does India risk US sanctions over Iran’s Chabahar port deal?
