Iran, Pakistan Discuss Bilateral Cooperation and Regional Security

Iranian and Pakistani officials have discussed regional security, planned drills, and proposed a potential joint venture to produce military equipment.

During a meeting in Islamabad, Pakistan’s Chief of Army Staff, Asim Munir, and Iranian Major General Mohammad Hossein Baqeri emphasized the need for coordinated cross-border patrol operations, joint exercises, and intelligence sharing.

Officials highlighted that the efforts aim to enhance security against terrorists, such as Jaish al-Adl, a Sunni-led extremist group operating along the countries’ shared border.

In recent years, the militia has launched numerous attacks targeting Iranian security forces in the southeastern province of Sistan and Baluchistan.

In addition, Iran stated that it is ready to start joint weapons production with Pakistan, although further details remain undisclosed, as reported by the Tasnim news agency.

Tehran also announced that its navy will participate in the AMAN (Peace)-25 multinational naval drills in the Pakistani port city of Karachi next month.

Boosting Security

Iran seeks to enhance its defense strategy as regional tensions in the Middle East escalate.

Earlier this month, Iran’s Revolutionary Guards Navy unveiled an underground base equipped with assault boats armed with missiles.

While Tehran kept the location undisclosed, it stated that the facility supports operations in southern waters, including the Strait of Hormuz and the Gulf of Oman.

Moreover, the Islamic Republic aims to strengthen cooperation with international allies, especially as US President Donald Trump, a staunch critic of Tehran, officially took office last week.

Iran recently signed a 20-year “comprehensive strategic partnership” deal with Russia during President Masoud Pezeshkian’s visit to Moscow.

The pact aims to strengthen “military-political and trade-economic” relations, according to the Kremlin. Both countries face heavy Western sanctions that affect their military and energy sectors.

The agreement was reached a month after a rebel offensive ousted Syrian leader Bashar al-Assad, a historical ally of both Moscow and Tehran.