Iran’s Chief of Staff of the Armed Forces, Major General Mohammad Hossein Bagheri, visited Islamabad and reiterated Tehran’s commitment to bolstering strategic ties with Pakistan. During his high-profile meetings with Pakistan’s Chief of Army Staff, General Asim Munir, and President Asif Ali Zardari, General Bagheri underscored the importance of collaborative efforts in addressing shared security challenges.
The visit, reported by Iran’s Tasnim News Agency, signals a growing alignment between the two neighbors on a range of defense and security issues. Military analysts believe this development underscores a mutual desire to navigate complex regional dynamics and strengthen ties amid evolving geopolitical realities in West and South Asia.
General Bagheri’s engagements in Islamabad revolved around addressing contemporary security threats, particularly those stemming from terrorist activities along the Iran-Pakistan border. Discussions between General Bagheri and General Asim Munir focused on intelligence sharing, joint operations, and strengthening border security in sensitive regions, such as Sistan and Balochistan.
“We deeply appreciate Pakistan’s persistent efforts in combating terrorist groups like Jaish al-Adl,” General Bagheri stated. The Iranian military leader also emphasized the importance of joint border patrols and military exercises to secure the 900-kilometer-long shared border, which has witnessed periodic flare-ups due to militant activities.
Both sides also expressed concerns about external interference in their internal security affairs. General Munir echoed the sentiment, stating that cooperation between Iran and Pakistan is crucial for ensuring stability in the region and countering common threats.
Expanding Military Cooperation Beyond Counterterrorism
While counterterrorism remains a core focus, the scope of military cooperation between Iran and Pakistan extends beyond immediate security concerns. General Bagheri highlighted the broader geopolitical significance of fostering deeper ties between the armed forces of both nations.
“We have witnessed significant events in the region over the past year, where Iran and Pakistan, as two Islamic countries, are located in the sensitive areas of West and South Asia,” he noted. “The relations between the Iranian and Pakistani armed forces have been developing, and we have reached several good agreements.”
Among the proposed initiatives was the idea of conducting joint naval exercises to enhance maritime security in the Arabian Sea. General Bagheri emphasized that such collaborations would not only improve operational capabilities but also serve as a demonstration of regional influence.
The Iranian general also called for greater alignment among major Islamic nations, including Iran, Pakistan, Turkey, and Saudi Arabia, to collectively address regional instability and complex geopolitical challenges. According to defense experts, this strategic alignment could prove instrumental in fostering greater solidarity and reducing external dependencies.
The longstanding defense relationship between Iran and Pakistan has been characterized by periodic surges in cooperation. General Bagheri’s recent visit marks his third trip to Pakistan, following earlier visits in July 2018 and October 2021. During these visits, both nations committed to advancing joint defense projects and enhancing coordination on border security.
In 2018, significant progress was made when Iran’s Defense Minister Brigadier General Amir Hatami and Pakistan’s then-Defense Minister Rana Tanveer Hussain signed agreements to bolster military training, intelligence sharing, and joint operations. Although these efforts faced hurdles due to international pressures, they reflect a consistent intent to strengthen bilateral ties.
General Asim Munir’s visit to Tehran last year further reinforced the relationship. In his discussions with General Bagheri and Iranian officials, he explored ways to deepen cooperation in defense production, counterterrorism, and intelligence sharing.
Border Security
The shared border between Iran and Pakistan has long been a hotspot for security concerns, with terrorist groups exploiting the rugged terrain to conduct cross-border attacks. During his Islamabad visit, General Bagheri commended Pakistan’s robust measures against the terrorist group Jaish al-Adl, which operates in the region.
The two sides reiterated their commitment to increasing the frequency of joint border patrols and using advanced technology for surveillance and intelligence gathering. Both nations view these measures as essential to curbing cross-border terrorism and ensuring peace in regions like Sistan and Balochistan.
“The pragmatic approach of Iran and Pakistan demonstrates a shared intent to resolve immediate security challenges while laying the foundation for sustainable collaboration,” said a senior defense official familiar with the discussions.
General Bagheri’s visit comes at a time of shifting regional dynamics and rising tensions in the broader Middle East. Analysts suggest that the strengthening of Iran-Pakistan defense ties could serve as a counterbalance to external influences in the region. The collaboration also reflects a growing recognition of the need for Islamic nations to work together to address shared challenges.
General Bagheri’s call for greater cooperation among Iran, Pakistan, Turkey, and Saudi Arabia reflects a vision of regional unity aimed at promoting stability and reducing reliance on external powers. The proposal for joint naval exercises aligns with this vision, demonstrating the willingness of regional actors to take proactive measures to safeguard their interests.
The strengthening of Iran-Pakistan ties also holds economic significance. Improved security along the border could facilitate greater trade and economic connectivity between the two nations, boosting development in border regions and beyond.
Despite the progress made during General Bagheri’s visit, challenges remain in implementing the ambitious agenda outlined by both nations. International pressures, particularly sanctions on Iran, have previously hindered defense cooperation. Additionally, differing foreign policy priorities could pose obstacles to sustained collaboration.
However, both Iran and Pakistan appear committed to overcoming these challenges. The emphasis on pragmatic solutions, such as joint border security initiatives and intelligence sharing, reflects a shared determination to address immediate concerns while building trust for long-term cooperation.
General Bagheri’s Visit
- Commitment to Counterterrorism: Both nations emphasized the importance of intelligence sharing, joint operations, and border security to combat terrorist groups operating along their shared border.
- Enhanced Military Cooperation: Proposals for joint naval exercises and expanded collaboration in defense production signal a broader vision for bilateral ties.
- Regional Unity: General Bagheri’s call for greater solidarity among Islamic nations highlights the need for collective action to address geopolitical challenges.
- Historical Continuity: The visit reinforced the longstanding history of defense cooperation between Iran and Pakistan, building on past agreements and engagements.
- Focus on Border Stability: Shared concerns about cross-border terrorism remain a driving force behind the deepening of ties, with both sides committed to improving security in sensitive regions.
