When America urged Iran to help Pakistan in war against India

Declassified documents have revealed a surprising chapter in the geopolitical dynamics of the 1971 Indo-Pakistani War. As tensions escalated in December of that year, the United States, concerned about the potential collapse of Pakistan under India's military pressure, approached Iran with an unusual request. The US urged Iran to extend support to Pakistan, aiming to bolster its defenses and maintain regional stability. This move underscores the intricate web of alliances and interests that defined Cold War politics. The US's appeal to Iran was driven by a strategic calculus rooted in the broader context of US-Soviet rivalry. At the time, Pakistan was a key ally of the United States, while India had leaned towards the Soviet Union. The US feared that a weakened or defeated Pakistan could shift the balance of power in South Asia, further empowering Soviet influence in the region. Encouraging Iran, then a close US ally under Shah Mohammad Reza Pahlavi, to back Pakistan was part of a larger effort to counter Soviet maneuvers. This episode highlights the complex interplay of regional and international politics during a pivotal moment in history. While the US's overtures to Iran did not significantly alter the course of the war, they reflect the lengths to which nations will go to preserve their strategic interests. The 1971 conflict ultimately led to the creation of Bangladesh, reshaping the political landscape of South Asia. These declassified documents offer a fascinating glimpse into the diplomatic strategies and considerations that often remain hidden from public view.

— Authored by Next24 Live