Pakistan has issued a strong denunciation of Israel’s military strikes on Iran, labeling them as “unprovoked and illegal acts of aggression” that could dangerously destabilize the wider Middle East. This statement was delivered by Ambassador Asim Iftikhar Ahmad, Pakistan’s Permanent Representative to the United Nations, during a UN Security Council briefing convened to address the deteriorating regional situation.
In the emergency meeting, Iran extended its gratitude to Pakistan, China, Algeria, and Russia for backing the call to convene and address Israel’s attacks, which Tehran deems unlawful.
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Ambassador Ahmad began by expressing appreciation to IAEA Director-General Rafael Grossi and UN Under-Secretary-General Rosemary DiCarlo for their briefings. He then went on to strongly criticize Israel’s actions, reaffirming Pakistan’s solidarity with the Iranian people and expressing condolences for the casualties and destruction.
“Pakistan strongly condemns Israel’s unlawful aggression against Iran and stands firmly with its Iranian brothers,” stated Ambassador Ahmad.
He asserted that Israel’s strikes violated both Iran’s sovereignty and territorial integrity, contravening the UN Charter and core principles of international law. He also reminded the Council that Iran, under Article 51 of the UN Charter, has a legitimate right to self-defence.
Warning Against a Dangerous Pattern
The ambassador highlighted a consistent pattern of aggression by Israel, pointing to its prolonged military campaign in Gaza and cross-border operations in Syria, Lebanon, and Yemen. He described these actions as part of a broader strategy of unilateral militarism that directly breaches Article 2(4) of the UN Charter and fits the definition of aggression laid out in UN General Assembly Resolution 3314 (1974).
“These repeated violations normalize lawlessness, diminish the authority of the United Nations, and destabilize the international order,” he remarked.
He further warned that such behavior had already produced devastating consequences—particularly in Gaza, where a massive loss of civilian life has occurred amid what he termed an “illegal blockade” and violent military onslaught. He emphasized that Israel’s operations have significantly undermined peace and fueled further regional instability.
Threat to Diplomacy and IAEA Operations
Ambassador Ahmad criticized the timing of the strikes, noting they coincided with sensitive diplomatic efforts regarding Iran’s nuclear program. He described the attacks as “ethically indefensible” and said they threatened ongoing trust-building efforts.
“These actions jeopardize negotiations that are essential for a peaceful resolution to nuclear-related concerns,” he noted.
The ambassador reaffirmed Pakistan’s support for a diplomatic approach, endorsing the Joint Comprehensive Plan of Action (JCPOA) as a well-negotiated framework aimed at fostering cooperation. He warned that Israeli aggression risks derailing these efforts and further inflaming tensions.
He also voiced concern over Israel’s attack on nuclear facilities under IAEA safeguards, calling it a dangerous breach of international protocols and a direct challenge to the agency’s neutral technical work.
“Such attacks violate international law, the IAEA Statute, and relevant resolutions by targeting safeguarded nuclear sites,” Ambassador Ahmad stated.
Given Pakistan’s geographic proximity to Iran, he highlighted deep concern over the broader security threats these developments pose to both the region and the world. He cited UN Security Council Resolution 487, which upholds the UN Charter and stresses the need to protect IAEA’s safeguards regime from external threats.
Call for Responsibility and Diplomacy
Ambassador Ahmad urged all sides to exercise restraint and prevent further escalation. He stressed the importance of prioritizing diplomacy, even amid serious tensions. Most of the international community, he said, desires a path to peace and stability.
He also pointed out the symbolic timing of the strikes, noting they occurred as international momentum builds toward recognizing a Palestinian state as part of a two-state solution. He cautioned that Israel’s aggressive conduct could derail this vital global effort.
“Such reckless actions by Israel risk igniting a wider conflict that could threaten international peace and security,” he warned.
Calling on the Security Council to fulfill its mandate, the ambassador urged decisive action to halt Israel’s aggression and ensure accountability.
“This Council must not allow Israel to act with unchecked impunity. It is time to uphold the principles of the UN Charter,” he emphasized.
He concluded by calling for a renewed commitment to diplomacy and peaceful dispute resolution, underscoring the need for a collective stance against the misuse of self-defence claims.
“The Council must reject distortions of international law and prioritize diplomatic efforts to ensure sustainable peace,” he concluded.
