Continued Reactions to IRGC's Provocations in Neighboring Countries; China Calls for 'Restraint' from Iran and Pakistan

After Islamabad stated that Tehran conducted an airstrike on its territory, resulting in the deaths of two children, China urged both Pakistan and Iran to show 'restraint.' According to AFP, Mao Ning, spokesperson for the Chinese Foreign Ministry, said at a press conference today: 'We urge both sides to exercise restraint, avoid actions that escalate tensions, and cooperate with each other to maintain peace and stability.' He stated, 'We consider Iran and Pakistan as close neighbors and major Islamic countries.' Both Iran and Pakistan are close partners of Beijing and members of the Shanghai Cooperation Organization. Pakistan condemned the attack, which occurred late Tuesday near the shared border, calling it 'completely unacceptable.' In its statement, Pakistan warned that the violation of its sovereignty could have 'serious consequences.' Pakistan stated that the consequences of violating its sovereignty rest with Iran, which could damage 'bilateral trust.' Pakistan has also lodged a formal protest with the Iranian Foreign Ministry and summoned the Iranian chargé d'affaires in Pakistan. The Islamic Republic of Iran and its official media reported that the attack targeted the base of the armed group 'Jaish al-Adl' in Pakistan. The missile attack was reported on the same day that the Islamic Republic News Agency announced a joint naval exercise by Iran and Pakistan in the Persian Gulf at the Strait of Hormuz and a meeting between Hossein Amir-Abdollahian and the Prime Minister of Pakistan. The attack into Pakistan was reported hours after the IRGC's strike in Iraqi Kurdistan and Syria. International sources reported on the evening of Monday, January 15, that the IRGC launched a missile attack near the US consulate in Erbil, Iraqi Kurdistan, and the IRGC issued four consecutive statements claiming it had attacked 'terrorist' positions in Syria. According to the Kurdistan Security Council, these attacks resulted in the deaths of at least four civilians and injuries to six others. A US State Department spokesperson stated, 'We oppose Iran's unprovoked missile attacks that undermine stability in Iraq and support the efforts of the Iraqi government and the Kurdistan Regional Government to meet the needs of their people.' Pakistan confirmed the occurrence of the attack from inside Iran, stating that 'two innocent children' were killed. The IRGC confirmed the attack with 'missiles and drones' on Pakistani territory. Pakistan also reported that it had arrested two suicide bombers linked to 'ISIS Khorasan.'