US, China call on Pakistan, Iran to avoid escalation

A local resident shows a mountain at the Koh-e-Sabz area of Pakistan's southwest Baluchistan province where Iran launched an airstrike, on Jan. 18, 2024/AFP

USA: Tensions between Pakistan and Iran have reached a boiling point following reciprocal airstrikes across their shared border, leaving civilians dead and raising fears of further escalation. The situation has drawn the attention of the United States and China, with both calling for no further escalation in violence.