The president of Iran Ebrahim Raisi landed in Pakistan for a three-day official visit, with the aim of strengthening relations between the two neighboring countries.
What happened: Raisi’s visit to Pakistan comes at a critical time, as the two countries seek to mend their relations, which have been strained by recent military actions. The Iranian president arrived in Islamabad on Monday, accompanied by his delegation, including the foreign minister and other high-ranking officials, Reuters reported.
The visit will include meetings with the Prime Minister of Pakistan Shehbaz Sharif and other officials, as well as trips to Lahore and Karachi. The trip is seen as a significant step toward normalizing relations, although ultimate authority on state matters, including nuclear policy, rests with Iran’s supreme leader. Ayatollah Ali Khamenei.
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Despite several trade agreements, Pakistan and Iran have had tumultuous relations, Pakistan being historically closer to Saudi Arabia and the United States. The two countries have a major gas supply agreement, but Pakistan has been hesitant to proceed with construction due to fears of US sanctions.
Because matter: The visit takes place in a context of growing tension in the Middle East, in particular between Iran and Israel. Israel carried out a targeted airstrike near an Iranian military air base last week, in direct retaliation for Iran’s recent airstrikes less than a week earlier.
The United States responded by imposing new sanctions on Iran, intensifying economic pressure on the country.
Despite these tensions, China has reaffirmed its support for Iran, strengthening bilateral ties following the Iranian attack on Israel. Meanwhile, the Russian president Vladimir Putin he called for restraint to prevent a major regional conflict.
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