ISLAMABAD: Pakistan’s Deputy Prime Minister Ishaq Dar on Thursday expressed solidarity with Azerbaijan after drone attacks wounded four people in the country, urging de-escalation in tensions as Baku vowed retaliation against Iran.

The midday attacks involved at least four drones that crossed from Iran into Azerbaijan’s exclave of Nakhichevan bordering Iran, Baku said. Azerbaijan President Ilham Aliyev accused Iran of “terrorism,” threatening retaliation for attacks that wounded four. Tehran denied the allegation and blamed Israel, Azerbaijan’s ally, of trying to stage a provocation.

Dar spoke to Azerbaijan’s Foreign Minister Jeyhun Bayramov, with both leaders expressing “serious concern” over the escalating regional situation and drone attacks against Azerbaijan, Pakistan’s foreign office said. 

“Reaffirming Pakistan’s solidarity with Azerbaijan and its people, DPM/FM underscored the urgent need for de-escalation and stressed the importance of dialogue and diplomacy for regional peace and stability,” the foreign ministry posted on X on Thursday. 

https://x.com/ForeignOfficePk/status/2029586285346910216

The statement said both leaders vowed to remain in close contact over the evolving regional developments.

The drone attacks targeting Azerbaijan have led to fears that another country may be involved in the Middle East war.

Pakistan has condemned Iran’s move to target facilities in the Gulf region hosting US troops this week. Islamabad has also condemned joint US-Israel attacks against Iran that were launched last week, triggering a conflict in the Middle East between the three nations. 

Pakistan has urged all sides to refrain from further escalating tensions and resolve their disputes through dialogue and diplomacy.