Iran Urges India, Pakistan to Show Self-Restraint

In a Wednesday statement, Qassemi said the Islamic Republic of Iran calls on the two leading and influential states of the sensitive region of South Asia to take into account the complicated situation of the region, which seems vulnerable over growing instability, insecurity and foreign interferences.

Iran calls on India and Pakistan to show self-restraint and make optimal use of all diplomatic mechanisms in order to resolve their disputes peacefully and take required measures to put an end to the tension created, he said.

The statement came after Pakistan’s military said it had shot down two Indian Air Force aircraft inside its airspace in Kashmir and captured two pilots.

The military added Pakistan had no choice, but to respond to India’s attack on its territory. However, the Pakistani military said it does not want to heighten the crisis. Indian officials say Pakistani fighter jets violated airspace over Indian-controlled Kashmir, but were forced back.

The developments came a day after India conducted airstrikes against alleged militant positions in Pakistan. The air raid was followed by Indian shelling in Kashmir, which left four Pakistani civilians dead.