IN-DEPTH: As Iran and Pakistan Trade Strikes, Experts Warn of Growing Destabilization in West Asia

The volatile situation is complicated by Pakistan and Iran’s border mistrust, the Israeli–Hamas conflict, and China’s investment in the region.

Paramilitary soldiers in front of a closed gate of Pakistan's border post, after Pakistan sealed its border with Iran as a preventive measure following the coronavirus outbreak, at the border post in Taftan, Pakistan, on Feb. 25, 2020. Naseer Ahmed/Reuters

Iranian missiles hit the terror bases of the Jaish al-Adl militant group inside Pakistan on Tuesday. Pakistan retaliated by striking inside Iranian territory early Thursday, raising concerns of a major inflammation of conflict in West Asia.

Experts have called the attacks geopolitical messaging from Iran threatening a wider weakening of regional security amidst the Israel-Hamas conflict.