Iran-Pakistan relations are close to breaking

Subject

Deteriorating relations between Pakistan and Iran.

Significance

Pakistan and Iran have historically been collaborators rather than rivals, but crosscutting alliances with other countries and tensions at their mutual border have strained relations. Divergent interests in Afghanistan are now pulling them further apart.

Impacts

• In the light of a new trilateral relationship, China will increasingly mediate in Pakistan-Afghanistan disputes.
• Infrastructure projects relating to the Gwadar and Chabahar ports may come under attack from Baloch insurgents.
• Bilateral trade between Pakistan and Saudi Arabia will increase.