The volatile border region between Pakistan and Iran, known as Balochistan, is increasingly attracting global attention. The US, “Israel”, India, and Afghanistan each possess distinct interests in this area, contributing to a complex geopolitical landscape that seeks to undermine the rich mineral and nuclear capabilities of both Iran and Pakistan.

Fully abreast with this scenario, Islamabad and Tehran are preparing for a policy shift, especially considering recent events associated with “Israel” and the separatist Baloch movement, which gained prominence during the 12-day conflict between Iran and “Israel”.

Amid intense media reports pointing to the hijacking of the Balochistan issue by “Israel” for some ulterior motives, the pro-“Israel” Washington-based organization, Middle East Media Research Institute (MEMRI), has announced the Balochistan Studies Project (BSP) for what they say was to give a “voice to the Baloch people and to ‘expose the brutal suppression by Pakistan and Iran of 60 million Baloch people,’ who remain voiceless in their land, lacking a single independent TV channel, radio station, or newspaper.”

India's hand in the Balochistan quagmire was already exposed when its Naval Commander, Kulbhushan Jadhav, was caught red-handed in 2016, tangled up with terrorist outfits to stir the pot in Pakistan and Iran. Pakistan laid its cards on the table, presenting video confessions and official documents to the United Nations Security Council (UNSC) and Delhi, shining a light on the RAW's [Indian intelligence] ties with the Baloch insurgents.

“Tehran and Islamabad appear to have finally reached a consensus, recognizing that the tensions in Balochistan have transformed from a small-scale rebellion into a complex geopolitical game. This scenario attracted the attention of various local players, who then attempted to manipulate and exploit the disgruntled groups for their strategic objectives," Mansur Khan Mahsud, head of the Islamabad-based FATA Research Centre (FRC) think tank, tells Al Mayadeen English.

Spy agencies support the Baloch insurgents

The recent warming of ties between Pakistan and Iran arises from a mutual understanding of the common foes lurking in the shadows, collaborating with RAW, the Mossad, the CIA, and the Taliban to sow discord between these two regional heavyweights.

A think tank, the Islamabad Policy Institute (IPI), also expressed these concerns at a roundtable gathering in Islamabad on July 31. The brainstorming session that took place just two days before the inaugural visit of Iranian President Masoud Pezeshkian to Pakistan stressed the need for solidarity between the two regional heavyweights to counter the nefarious schemes of those who harbor ill will towards both nations.

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The gathering saw a host of prominent politicians, sharp thinkers, keen analysts, and astute journalists from Pakistan and Iran, all singing from the same hymn sheet about the necessity for a tighter bond to safeguard shared interests in a rapidly shifting geopolitical landscape. The roundtable underscored that both countries are facing common challenges, particularly those posed by “Israel”.

Dr. Shireen Mazari, the IPI Chairperson and a former human rights minister, had a heart-to-heart with Al Mayadeen English, shedding light on the thorny issues that remain unresolved between the two nations. She pointed out that the sticking points, particularly in border management, are major roadblocks to the smooth sailing of trade and pilgrimage between Iran and Pakistan. She emphasized that foreign meddling poses a significant threat to regional stability.

“These forces are trying to throw our region into disarray. 'Israel' and the US are playing a hand in the separatist movements simmering in both Iran and Pakistan. To turn the tide, we need to tighten our security coordination and breathe new life into the long-stalled efforts for the Iran-Pakistan gas pipeline,” she argued.

She raised an eyebrow at the credibility of the global nuclear non-proliferation regime, contending, “If Israel isn’t brought into the NPT and placed under IAEA safeguards, Iran would have little reason to toe the line with the NPT.”

Why does the US seek a presence in the volatile region?

In contrast to Afghanistan, which plays a subtle hand in the turmoil of Balochistan, serving as a breeding ground for militants who cross the border into Pakistan before heading to Iran, the US has recently waded into the waters of the region.

The US made a deal with Pakistan to get its hands on the treasure trove of natural resources in the Balochistan belt, but the truth of the matter is that Washington was looking to plant its flag in a neighborhood that’s just a stone's throw from Iran's nuclear stash.

Pakistan has announced that Islamabad is rolling out the red carpet for US businesses, inviting them to dive into investment opportunities in mining projects, particularly in the southwestern Balochistan province. This initiative will be a partnership with local companies, offering sweeteners like lease grants to sweeten the deal.

In addition to its mining endeavors, Pakistan has also established a partnership with World Liberty Financial (WLF1), a cryptocurrency venture supported by the family of US President Donald Trump. The Pakistan Crypto Council, led by Bilal bin Saqib, a former advisor to WLF1, successfully concluded this partnership. Recently, Bilal bin Saqib met with Acting US Ambassador Natalie Baker to discuss intensifying cooperation between Pakistan and the US in the fields of blockchain technology and artificial intelligence. This deal has garnered attention in India, where some individuals are voicing concerns about the Pak-US crypto partnership.

A Newsweek report published on July 29 claimed that “Israel” has an advantage over the Islamic Republic in the form of disgruntled minorities who are “eager to disrupt and overthrow the regime.’

Newsweek reveals, citing analysts and former Israeli officials, that discussions about supporting these activities are intensifying as tensions continue to escalate in the Middle East. Eran Lahav, a former intelligence analyst with the Israel occupation forces (IOF), is currently serving as a senior researcher at the Israel Defense and Security Forum.

Newsweek states that Eran Lahav recently penned a report detailing how “Israel” could intensify its pressure on Iran, which included forging stronger alliances with Iranian dissident groups both within and beyond the Islamic Republic.

In a climate where the cries for grassroots movements from both Israeli Prime Minister Benjamin Netanyahu and Iranian opposition figures have mostly fallen flat, the report suggests that "hope alone won't cut it," and "only tangible support, like arms and logistics, can empower the opposition to make a real move."