Iranian general spews venom against Pakistan over IRGC attack

TEHRAN - Commander of the Islamic Revolution Guards Corps, Major General Mohammad Ali Jafari has pinned blame on Pakistan for a recent suicide attack that left 27 dead.

During a farewell ceremony on Friday, Jafari alleged Pakistan of 'sheltering anti-revolutionary and dangerous elements for Islam' without furnishing any details on the matter.

The Iranian general insinuated that Pakistan was aware of their hideouts and should be 'held accountable' - a statement which has riled Pakistan as it shares common religious identity and there no substantive proof of Islamabad's role in the attack.

Mohammad Ali Jafari continued that his forces will definitely take retaliatory measures against such attacks in the future.

The military general did not spare Saudi Arabia and UAE in his outburst, however, his remarks against Pakistan apparently endorse the increasing strategic ties between New Delhi and Tehran.

The comments come at a time when Saudi Crown Prince, Mohammed bin Salman is due to visit Pakistan on a two-day tour for signing multiple agreements worth $20b.

Pakistan and Iran share over 900-kilometre border, however, Tehran has enhanced its ties with India over a period of time with Chabahar port being the pivot of relationships.

https://en.dailypakistan.com.pk/headline/pakistan-condemns-suicide-terror-attack-in-iran-kills-27-members-of-revolutionary-guards/

At a time when Indian Prime Minister Narendra Modi is ramping up pressure against Pakistan in the backdrop of Pulwama suicide bombing, the 'outrageous' commentary of Iranian general seems a bid to sandwich Pakistan in a broader tiff of geopolitical influence.

Pakistan had categorically condemned the suicide attack on the security convoy which left 27 revolutionary guards dead.

Foreign Office Spokesperson, Dr Mohammad Faisal had expressed deep sorrow over the loss of precious lives in the attack.

https://twitter.com/ForeignOfficePk/status/1095730182651080704?ref_src=twsrc%5Etfw%7Ctwcamp%5Etweetembed%7Ctwterm%5E1095730182651080704&ref_url=https%3A%2F%2Fen.dailypakistan.com.pk%2Fheadline%2Fpakistan-condemns-suicide-terror-attack-in-iran-kills-27-members-of-revolutionary-guards%2F

He expressed sympathies with the bereaved families who have suffered in this heinous attack of terror.

Interestingly, days before the comments of Iranian general, the embassy of Iran in Islamabad had expressed that Pakistan always stood by Iran.

'Iran and Pakistan will continue to cooperate in fight against terrorism and will eradicate this inhumane phenomenon with the help of God and the faith of their noble nations,' a tweet posted on the account stated.

https://twitter.com/IranIslamabad/status/1095740209340211200

On Wednesday night, IRGC forces were targeted while they were travelling between the cities of Zahedan and Khash, in Sistan and Balouchestan.

Pakistan is being pushed against the wall intentionally both by India for the Pulwama suicide bombing as well as Iran for the IRGC attack, without any credible evidence.

The bid seems to tarnish Pakistan's image ahead of the tour of Saudi Crown Prince, Mohammed bin Salman.