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They are actually considered brother states, but now they are firing missiles at each other.
Two days after the Iranian attacks on Pakistani territory, Pakistan shelled targets in the Iranian province of Sistan-Baluchestan.
Nine people were killed.
What's behind it?
Suzanne Maloney, political scientist:
»There have been tensions along the border between Afghanistan, Pakistan and Iran for a long time.
In fact, this is an area of drug smuggling and extremist activity that has long been a point of contention for governments and the various militant groups operating across the region.
He has already brought various governments to the brink of direct conflict.
Both countries see themselves as having the right to fight against terror.
According to Pakistan, the shelling of Iranian territory was carried out to protect national security.
Iran justified its attacks on Pakistani territory by saying that it was fighting the extremist militia Jaish al-Adl, which is classified as a terrorist organization by Iran and the USA.
Suzanne Maloney, political scientist:
»I think that special care was taken on both sides not to hit the military.
The Iranians attacked what they called a militia, just as the Pakistanis did.
And I think that will preserve this calibrated exchange for now.
But it is heating up the mood in the region.
And I think it leaves open the possibility of further violence.”
Footage like this shows the extent of the recent attacks on the Iranian side.
The conflict threatens the cautious rapprochement between neighboring countries.
The nuclear power Pakistan also emphasized that it would take the greatest care to avoid collateral damage.
Suzanne Maloney, political scientist:
»It would be highly unusual if this led to a very serious escalation of violence.
I think the larger conflict preoccupying the Middle East is directly related to the war in Gaza and the extent to which the Islamic Republic of Iran has mobilized its allies and proxies across the region to show that it continues to “You can exercise influence and power without actually becoming directly involved in the violence itself.”
The United Nations and the United States called for restraint in the face of mutual attacks.