ISLAMABAD: Aerial strikes rocked the area around Pakistan’s embassy in Tehran on Thursday, sending shockwaves through diplomatic circles as the ongoing US-Israel campaign against Iran enters a dangerous new phase.
Explosions occurred near the embassy compound and the ambassador’s official residence, according to multiple Pakistani sources familiar with the situation. All diplomats and staff remained unharmed, though several were reportedly shaken by the intensity of the blasts.
The mission lies close to Iranian military installations that appear to be primary targets in the latest wave of aerial bombardment. No structural damage to Pakistani property or casualties among its personnel have been reported.
Pakistani officials described the incident as part of intensified strikes that have targeted central Tehran districts over recent weeks. The embassy continues to function normally while monitoring the volatile security environment.
This development comes at a particularly sensitive moment. Pakistan, alongside Turkey and Egypt, has been engaged in shuttle diplomacy to de-escalate tensions between Washington, Tel Aviv and Tehran.
Foreign Minister Ishaq Dar confirmed that Islamabad is relaying messages as part of indirect talks. Iran is reportedly reviewing a comprehensive 15-point US proposal covering sanctions relief, nuclear rollback, IAEA monitoring and Strait of Hormuz access.
Some regional media outlets and social media claims have raised questions about whether the proximity of strikes to the Pakistani mission was coincidental or carried deliberate signalling. No official Israeli or American comment has addressed the specific location near the embassy.
Pakistan has already evacuated families of diplomats, non-essential staff, students and pilgrims from Iran in previous phases of the conflict. Hundreds crossed into Pakistan via land routes earlier this month amid widespread explosions that shook university buildings and residential areas.
Tehran, home to nearly nine million people, has witnessed repeated heavy bombardment since late February. Strikes have damaged oil depots, creating rivers of fire and toxic black rain in surrounding neighbourhoods.
Pakistani nationals who fled described ground-shaking explosions occurring every four to five hours in early March. One diplomat recounted a missile striking a building adjacent to his office.
The broader war has claimed high-profile casualties, including the reported death of Iran’s Supreme Leader Ayatollah Ali Khamenei and senior Revolutionary Guard figures. Retaliatory Iranian actions have targeted US assets in the Gulf and sparked deadly protests in Pakistan that left at least 20 to 22 people dead.
Despite the risks, Pakistan’s embassy in Tehran continues providing consular services to remaining citizens. Travel advisories urge extreme caution and limit non-essential movement.
Analysts note the irony of strikes occurring near a mission from a country actively mediating for peace. The incident underscores the precarious position of neutral diplomatic outposts in active war zones.
International coverage of this specific embassy incident remains limited so far, with most global outlets focusing on broader battlefield developments and ceasefire prospects. Pakistani diplomatic sources and local social media reports from Tehran have driven the initial accounts.
The Foreign Office in Islamabad has not issued a detailed public statement on Thursday’s events as assessments continue. Officials maintain that the safety of Pakistani personnel remains the top priority.
As indirect talks progress, the latest strikes risk complicating delicate negotiations. Pakistan has offered to host formal discussions in Islamabad if both sides agree.
The situation in Tehran remains fluid, with air defence systems frequently activating across the capital. Residents report ongoing tension as the conflict, now in its fourth week, shows little sign of immediate resolution.
Diplomatic observers warn that any miscalculation near foreign missions could widen the regional crisis beyond current boundaries.