Pakistan launched retaliatory missile strikes into neighbouring Iran, just two days after an attack by Iran had inflamed tensions between the two countries. The strikes hit terrorist hideouts in Iran's Sistan-Baluchestan region, resulting in the deaths of three women and four children. This comes after Pakistan expressed outrage over Iran's strike, which both countries claim was aimed at terrorist groups. This military action is rare between Pakistan and Iran but tensions in the Middle East have increased with conflicts involving Israel, Palestine, Lebanon, Iraq, Syria, and Yemen. Pakistan has stated that its actions are in defence of its national security, but they also respect Iran's sovereignty.