Pakistan has issued a forceful condemnation of recent Israeli military actions against the Islamic Republic of Iran, labeling them “unjustified and illegitimate aggression” that poses a threat to regional stability across the Middle East. This strong statement was delivered by Ambassador Asim Iftikhar Ahmad, Pakistan’s Permanent Representative to the United Nations, during a UN Security Council briefing addressing the escalating regional situation.
Iran extended its gratitude to Pakistan, China, Algeria, and the Russian Federation for their support in facilitating this urgent meeting to discuss what it termed Israel’s unlawful aggression against Iran.
Ambassador Ahmad commenced his remarks by acknowledging and thanking Director-General Rafael Grossi of the International Atomic Energy Agency (IAEA) and UN Under-Secretary-General Rosemary DiCarlo for their informative briefings. He then unequivocally condemned the Israeli attacks, expressing Pakistan’s solidarity with the people of Iran and conveying condolences for the loss of lives and damage to infrastructure.
“Pakistan strongly condemns unjustified and illegitimate aggression by Israel against the Islamic Republic of Iran. Pakistan stands in resolute solidarity with the brotherly people of Iran,” Ambassador Ahmad declared.
He asserted that the Israeli military strikes not only violated Iran’s sovereignty and territorial integrity but also demonstrably contravened the UN Charter and fundamental tenets of international law. He emphasized Iran’s inherent right to self-defense under Article 51 of the Charter.
A Pattern of Recklessness
The ambassador highlighted what he characterized as a “dangerous pattern” in Israel’s conduct, referencing its ongoing military campaign in Gaza, along with repeated cross-border strikes in Syria, Lebanon, and Yemen. He argued that such actions reflected a policy of unilateral militarism in flagrant disregard of Article 2(4) of the UN Charter and constituted acts of aggression as defined by General Assembly Resolution 3314 (1974).
“Israel’s serial breaches of sovereignty normalize impunity, erode the authority of the United Nations, and gravely undermine the international order,” he stated.
He cautioned that the repercussions of such behavior had already proven devastating—particularly in Gaza, where tens of thousands of civilians have perished under what he described as an “illegal blockade” and a brutal military assault. He further underscored that Israel’s actions across the region have severely destabilized the area and intensified tensions.
Undermining Diplomacy and the IAEA
The Pakistani envoy criticized the timing of the attacks, noting their occurrence amidst ongoing diplomatic negotiations concerning Iran’s nuclear program. He deemed the attacks “morally repugnant” and detrimental to trust-building efforts.
“These actions risk eroding the trust and sanctity of the negotiations process, so crucial for the peaceful settlement of these issues,” he asserted.
Ambassador Ahmad reaffirmed Pakistan’s commitment to resolving the Iran nuclear issue through peaceful dialogue and diplomatic engagement. He commended the Joint Comprehensive Plan of Action (JCPOA) as the outcome of painstaking negotiations, providing a clear framework for cooperation and mutual obligations.
He voiced concern that the strikes would likely derail these diplomatic endeavors and escalate an already volatile regional situation. He also pointed out that the attacks occurred while the IAEA was conducting its verification activities in Iran, which he deemed a dangerous interference in the agency’s technical operations.
“Israel has violated international law, the IAEA Statute, and several IAEA resolutions by attacking safeguarded nuclear facilities,” Ahmad stressed.
As a neighboring nation to Iran, Pakistan expressed profound concern over the threat these attacks pose to regional and global safety. He cited Security Council Resolution 487, which affirmed that such acts were a violation of the UN Charter and presented a serious threat to the IAEA safeguards regime.
A Call for Accountability and Peace
Ambassador Ahmad urged all parties involved to uphold their responsibilities and avoid further escalation. He emphasized that diplomatic engagement must remain the paramount priority, even during these “testing times.” The ambassador highlighted that the majority of the international community desires peace and stability.
He noted that the timing of the attacks was also significant in another context: the international community was preparing to endorse the creation of a Palestinian state as part of a two-state solution. He warned that Israel’s “reckless and irresponsible behavior” should not be permitted to derail these historic efforts.
“Israel’s actions risk wider escalation threatening global peace and security,” he declared.
He called upon the UN Security Council to take its responsibility seriously and act immediately to halt the aggression.
“We must hold the aggressor accountable. This Council must deny Israel the free hand and impunity with which it continues to operate,” he urged.
Ambassador Ahmad concluded by stating that the Council must possess the courage to adopt positions and decisions consistent with the UN Charter. He called for a renewed focus on diplomacy and peaceful conflict resolution.
“It is our collective responsibility to reject any distortions or misuse of the right to self-defense that go against international law. The Council must prioritize dialogue and diplomacy to advance peaceful solutions,” he concluded.
