Pakistan condemns Israel’s aggression against Iran

During an emergency meeting at the United Nations Security Council on Friday, Pakistan warned that Israel’s attacks on Iranian nuclear and military sites are a “grave danger and a serious threat” to peace and stability, not only in the region but around the world.

The Security Council, which includes 15 member countries, put aside its usual work to focus on this serious issue. The head of the UN nuclear agency also joined the session and warned about risks to both regional peace and nuclear safety.

Pakistan’s Ambassador to the UN, Asim Iftikhar Ahmad, strongly criticized Israel’s actions. He called them “unjustified and illegitimate” and said Pakistan stands firmly with Iran and its people.

The meeting was requested by Iran’s Foreign Minister, Abbas Araghchi, who told the UN that Israel “has now crossed every red line” and said the international community must not ignore these actions.

Pakistan, along with China and Russia, supported Iran’s request for this emergency session. Ambassador Asim called on the UN to follow international law and stop the violence. He also pushed for the crisis to be solved through dialogue and peaceful talks.

Rosemary DiCarlo, a senior UN official, told the Council that the effects of the attacks are already being felt. She said, “I reaffirm the Secretary-General’s condemnation of any military escalation in the Middle East” and asked both Israel and Iran to “avoid at all costs a descent into deeper and wider regional conflict.”

She also mentioned that these attacks happened just as “some significant diplomatic developments” were in progress—like the planned US-Iran talks in Oman. But now, reports say Iran has pulled out of the talks.

DiCarlo said that peaceful negotiations are still the best way to make sure Iran’s nuclear program stays peaceful. “We must, at all costs, avoid a growing conflagration that could have enormous global consequences,” she added.

The head of the UN’s nuclear agency, Rafael Grossi, also spoke at the meeting. He said his team is in touch with Iran to check the safety of affected nuclear facilities. He clearly stated that nuclear sites must never be attacked “under any circumstances.”

Grossi said, “Such attacks have serious implications for nuclear security, nuclear safety and safeguards, as well as regional and international peace and security.” He offered to travel to the region soon to help with safety and peace efforts.

He said the only way forward for both Iran and Israel is through “dialogue and diplomacy.” He also said the IAEA can serve as a neutral place where “facts prevail over rhetoric” and serious discussions can happen.

“I reaffirm my personal commitment, and that of the agency, to facilitate dialogue and support efforts that promote transparency, security, and the peaceful resolution of nuclear issues in Iran,” Grossi concluded.

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