Beijing expressed today its willingness to "mediate between Pakistan and Iran" following an exchange of fire against militant targets in their border region, including a strike that Tehran announced killed at least seven civilians.

The Chinese Foreign Ministry Spokesperson, Mao Ning, stated at a press conference, "The Chinese side sincerely hopes that the two sides can exercise calm and restraint and avoid an escalation of tension." 

"We are also willing to play a constructive role in de-escalating the situation if both sides so wish," she said.

Mao also stated that Iran and Pakistan were "friendly countries to China, and countries with important influence."

In parallel, the chargé d'affaires of the embassy of Pakistan in Tehran was summoned by the Iranian Ministry of Foreign Affairs to officially notify the protest and request an explanation from the Pakistani government, according to Nasser Kanaani. 

Pakistan strikes Iran

The Pakistani military carried out overnight strikes in Iran, an intelligence official said earlier today, a couple of days after Tehran attacked positions of the Jaish ul-Adl terrorist group in Pakistan.

"I can only confirm that we have conducted strikes against anti-Pakistan militant groups that were targeted inside Iran," a senior intelligence source not authorized to give information to the media told AFP.

Later, the Pakistani Foreign Ministry announced that the Pakistani military carried out military strikes against what it called "terrorist hideouts" in Iran.

In a statement, Islamabad said it respects Tehran's sovereignty, adding that the "sole objective of today's act was in pursuit of Pakistan’s own security and national interest."

Iranian state media reported that three women and four children were killed after the explosions in the country's southeast.

"Pakistan attacked an Iranian border village with missiles," state television said, adding that "three women, four children were killed, all non-Iranian nationals."