Iran Steps Forward to Mediate India-Pakistan Tensions Citing a 13th-Century Poem
Following the deadly terrorist attack in Pahalgam, Jammu and Kashmir, diplomatic and military tensions between India and Pakistan have escalated significantly. In response to the crisis, Iran has stepped forward to offer mediation, invoking centuries-old civilizational ties with both countries. Tehran declared its willingness to help reduce tensions in the region, emphasizing its historical and cultural bonds with both nations. Meanwhile, Saudi Arabia has also begun efforts to de-escalate the situation.
Iranian Foreign Minister Seyyed Abbas Araghchi issued a statement describing India and Pakistan as “brotherly neighboring countries” to Iran. “India and Pakistan are brotherly neighboring countries to Iran. We share civilizational and cultural relations with both of them that span centuries. Just like our other neighboring countries, we consider these two as a priority. In this difficult time, Tehran is ready to use its cordial relations with Islamabad and New Delhi to foster better understanding,” said Seyyed Abbas Araghchi.
Alongside his statement, Araghchi referenced a famous Persian poem, “Bani Adam” (Children of Adam), by the renowned 13th-century Iranian poet Saadi Shirazi. He quoted a portion of the poem conveying that all human beings are of one essence and origin, and that if one member of the body suffers, the rest cannot remain in peace. The same poem was previously cited by former United States President Barack Obama during his 2009 New Year message to the Iranian people.
Parallel to Iran’s mediation proposal, Saudi Arabia has also engaged in diplomatic outreach. According to the Saudi Ministry of Foreign Affairs, Prince Faisal bin Farhan held separate phone conversations with Indian External Affairs Minister Subrahmanyam Jaishankar and Pakistani Foreign Minister Ishaq Dar. “I spoke with Saudi Foreign Minister Faisal bin Farhan over the phone. We discussed the Pahalgam terror attack and its cross-border implications,” said Subrahmanyam Jaishankar in a statement.