The United States eliminated Major General Qassem Soleimani, the head of the elite Quds force who spearheaded Iran’s military influence in the Middle East. The US labeled Soleimani as terrorists who also authorized the siege of the US embassy in Baghdad.
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US Secretary of State Mike Pompeo on Friday called Pakistan Army General Qamar Javed Bajwa over the telephone to discuss escalating tensions with Iran following its top Iranian Generals assassination in Iraq.
“Pakistan’s Chief of Staff General Bajwa and I spoke today about US defensive action to kill Qassem Soleimani,” Pompeo wrote on Twitter. “The Iran regime’s actions in the region are destabilizing and our resolve in protecting American interests, personnel, facilities, and partners will not waver,” he added.
#Pakistan's Chief of Staff General Bajwa and I spoke today about U.S. defensive action to kill Qassem Soleimani. The #Iran regime’s actions in the region are destabilizing and our resolve in protecting American interests, personnel, facilities, and partners will not waver.
— Secretary Pompeo (@SecPompeo) January 3, 2020
Pakistan Army later validated the interaction, saying regional situation including possible implications of the recent escalation in the Middle East was discussed during the telephonic conversation.
“COAS emphasized the need for maximum restraint and constructive engagement by all concerned to de-escalate the situation in the broader interest of peace and stability. COAS also reiterated the need for maintaining focus on the success of the Afghan Peace Process,” it read.
COAS emphasised need for maximum restraint and constructive engagement by all concerned to de-escalate the situation in broader interest of peace and stability. COAS also reiterated the need for maintaining focus on success of Afghan Peace Process.(2of2).
— DG ISPR (@OfficialDGISPR) January 3, 2020
Islamabad meanwhile expressed “deep concern with the recent developments in the Middle East, which severely imperils peace and stability in the region”. The official statement issued by the Foreign Office did not mention the assassination of General Soleimani.
