Washington: On Thursday, the US deflected a question about whether Pakistan had prior consultations with Washington before conducting retaliatory airstrikes on Iran. State Department Spokesperson Matthew Miller, during a regular press briefing in Washington, responded, “I don’t have any private exchanges to read out,” in reference to media reports claiming Pakistan consulted the US before the airstrikes.
Miller expressed US concerns about escalating tensions in the region and emphasized the need for restraint on all sides. He noted the Pakistani government’s comments on the importance of collaborative relations with its neighbors. Regarding the situation between Iran and Pakistan, Miller stated, “We’re concerned about escalating pressures in the region,” and highlighted US efforts to prevent escalation since October 7.
Addressing Iran’s role, Miller labeled Iran as a major funder of Hezbollah and a top supporter of Hamas. When asked about ongoing tensions between Iran and Pakistan, he reiterated concerns about Iran’s history of supporting terrorism and contributing to conflict in the Middle East.
Iran’s strikes in Pakistan followed the Islamic Revolutionary Guard Corps (IRGC) launching missiles into Iraq’s Kurdistan region and alleged ISIS-linked targets in Syria. In response, Pakistan conducted airstrikes into Iran, named “Operation Marg Bar Sarmachar.” Pakistan’s Ministry of Foreign Affairs stated that the operation targeted terrorist hideouts in the Sistan-o-Baluchistan province, resulting in the death of several terrorists.
Miller emphasized Iran’s role in supporting various groups and urged restraint. He affirmed Pakistan’s status as a major non-NATO ally of the United States, expressing the need to avoid escalation.
US National Security Council spokesperson John Kirby stated that the US is closely monitoring the situation between Iran and Pakistan and does not want to see escalation.
