In a positive development, tensions between Iran and Pakistan following a recent air strike in Baluchistan are subsiding, highlighting the political maturity of both nations. The diplomatic rift serves as a reminder of the troubled history between the two countries, with complex issues of national sovereignty, territorial integrity, and the Baluchistan problem lingering. However, the chosen path of reconciliation by Iran and Pakistan sets an example for other regional states in Central Asia, South Asia, and West Asia.

Pakistan's Dawn newspaper recently published an insightful article by a Baluchi writer, outlining several decades of border tensions between Iran and Pakistan. The writer categorized the historical space into two phases: pre-1979 Islamic Revolution and the subsequent period. The transition in 1979 marked the establishment of an Islamic system of government in Iran and Pakistan's adoption of "Islamisation" as the basis for jihadism, fueled by Sunni fundamentalism.

The relationship between the United States and Pakistan has been a contentious issue, causing friction between Pakistan and Iran. However, both countries have undergone significant changes since then. Pakistan has become disillusioned with the US, while Iran openly confronts the US. Both nations have also strengthened ties with BRICS, a partnership emblematic of the growing relationship between Russia and China.

Amidst these dynamics, the United States is eager to engage the Pakistani military as a key player in regional geopolitics. Recognizing the need to reduce tensions, Pakistan's National Security Committee (NSC), the country's top authority on security and foreign policy, ratified Islamabad's decision to address mutual security concerns and emphasized the importance of maintaining friendly relations with Iran. The military leadership's endorsement of this decision sends a strong signal to Tehran.

The NSC's statement paves the way for renewed dialogue and diplomatic engagement between Pakistan and Iran, as acknowledged by the Dawn newspaper. The Pakistani military has offered a conciliatory gesture, expressing the need for dialogue and cooperation in resolving bilateral issues. This sentiment was reciprocated by Iran's foreign ministry, leading to a phone conversation between the caretaker foreign minister of Pakistan and his Iranian counterpart.

While both Iran and Pakistan lean towards a more peaceful and cooperative approach, the US continues to seek partnerships in the region. President Biden has acknowledged Iran's unpopularity in the region and expressed a desire to avoid any escalation. Simultaneously, Iran's Ministry of Foreign Affairs has stressed the importance of preserving the amicable relations between Tehran and Islamabad. Russia has also cautioned against external interference, highlighting the need for peace and stability in the region.

At a news conference, Russian Foreign Minister Sergey Lavrov discussed the situation in Afghanistan and the influence of the Taliban. He emphasized the importance of political inclusivity and acknowledged the presence of prominent Afghan leaders in Kabul. Lavrov expressed hope that the tensions between Pakistan and Iran will not complicate ongoing efforts to address the Afghan conflict through the Moscow format and the quartet mechanism involving Russia, Iran, Pakistan, and China.

As the struggle between major powers intensifies in the quest for a multipolar world order, Afghanistan emerges as a crucial hub. Regional opinion seems to favor the integration of the Taliban as a factor for security and stability, with Pakistan playing a transformative role in this process. Kazakhstan's recent decision to remove the Taliban from terrorist lists further reflects this sentiment.

In summary, the recent tensions between Iran and Pakistan serve as a moment of truth in the geopolitics of the region. Both countries recognized the risks and promptly pursued reconciliatory measures. Their actions set a positive example for other regional states, demonstrating the importance of dialogue and cooperation in maintaining regional peace and stability.