ISLAMABAD, Dec 25: Iran has welcomed the capture of a Jundallah leader in Balochistan and called on the Pakistani government to deal with terrorists sternly. “Abdel Raouf Rigi's arrest reflects the decisive determination of the government of Pakistan to confront terrorism,” said Mr Ali Akbar Javanfekr, press adviser to the Iranian president, while talking to Dawn .

Iran wants Pakistan to deal with terrorists sternly, he added.

The Pakistan-Iran ties came under strain following the Chabahar bombing of an Ashura procession that left 39 people dead.

After the bombing, the Iranian leaders criticised Pakistan for its failure to end alleged Jundallah sanctuaries on its territory and prevent cross-border movements of terrorists.

President Mahmoud Ahmadinejad phoned President Asif Ali Zardari, calling for the arrest and handover of terrorists wanted by his country.

The arrest of Abdel Raouf Rigi, the current head of the terrorist group Jundallah, was announced by Pakistani security agencies on Friday.

Raouf is the younger brother of Abdolmalek Rigi, who was captured earlier this year in a dramatic way while flying through Iran's airspace and recently executed on charges of murder, kidnapping and carrying out subversive activities.

Raouf is said to have been detained in Balochistan after his telephonic call with London-based daily Al Sharq Al Awsat was intercepted leading security personnel to his hideout along the Pakistan-Iran border.

In his interview with the Arabic-language daily, Raouf had threatened to kill an abducted Iranian nuclear plant worker in retaliation for the execution of 11 Jundallah men.

Pakistani officials said on Saturday that Raouf Rigi was likely to be handed over to Iran after his interrogation here was completed.

Raouf is the second Rigi brother to have been arrested by Pakistani authorities. Earlier, Abdolhamed Rigi was arrested in 2008 and handed over to Iran.

Abdolmalek Rigi's arrest by Iranian forces is believed to have taken place with Pakistan's assistance.

Mr Javanfekr, reflecting the change of mood in Tehran, said Iran believed that the government and people of Pakistan had been themselves victims of terrorism and hence wouldn't support terrorism.

However, he added, Iran was urging Pakistan to tackle terrorism more seriously and stop (Jundallah) terrorists from carrying out cross-border attacks in Iran.

Mr Javanfekr hoped that the determination and will of both countries to improve bilateral ties would “remove the obstacles in the way”.

Pakistan and Iran have in the past signed a plethora of agreements for cooperation, but hardly anyone has materialised as yet because of political differences, particularly over Afghanistan.