Pakistan condemns attacks on Iran, urges diplomacy at UN Security Council

Pakistan condemned on Saturday what it called “unwarranted attacks” against Iran and urged an immediate return to diplomacy during an emergency meeting of the United Nations Security Council on the escalating crisis in the Middle East.

The council’s session examined the repercussions of U.S. and Israeli airstrikes on Iran and exposed divisions among the 15-member body over the growing tensions.

Speaking at the meeting, Pakistan’s Permanent Representative to the United Nations, Ambassador Asim Iftikhar Ahmad, said Islamabad was increasingly concerned as the situation in the Middle East became more complex.

“Pakistan condemns the initiation of unwarranted attacks against the Islamic Republic of Iran, in violation of international law,” Ahmad told the council.

In a formal statement delivered under the agenda item “The Situation in the Middle East,” Ahmad said the attacks occurred at a time when renewed diplomatic efforts were underway to reach a negotiated solution.

“Such a course of action will undermine the peace and stability of the entire region, with far reaching consequences,” he said.

Pakistan also condemned attacks against Saudi Arabia, Bahrain, Jordan, Kuwait, Qatar and the United Arab Emirates, and expressed solidarity with those countries.

Ahmad said several Arab states had been supporting dialogue and efforts to avoid escalation. He praised Oman for facilitating and mediating dialogue between Iran and the United States.

“These unprovoked attacks constitute blatant violations of the sovereignty of the brotherly Gulf states,” he said.

Ahmad also condemned the death of a Pakistani national in the United Arab Emirates during the attacks and urged all sides to refrain from actions that could undermine the security and territorial integrity of regional countries.

He expressed regret that diplomacy had been “derailed” as the attacks took place in the middle of negotiations, saying military actions undermine dialogue and erode trust.

Pakistan offered condolences to civilians affected by the violence, including schoolchildren in Iran and the family of the Pakistani national killed in the United Arab Emirates.

Referring to the principles of the U.N. Charter, Ahmad said the document prohibits the threat or use of force against the territorial integrity or political independence of states.

He reiterated Pakistan’s call for full respect for international law, including the U.N. Charter and international humanitarian law.

Ahmad said Pakistan was deeply alarmed at the risk of a wider regional conflict and that the safety and well-being of millions of Pakistanis living in countries in the region remained a top priority.

He said Pakistan was maintaining close contact and coordination with neighboring countries at the leadership level and was ready to support efforts toward a peaceful resolution of outstanding issues.

“Diplomacy and dialogue should be the guiding principles,” Ahmad said, calling on all sides to halt escalation immediately and urgently resume negotiations to achieve a peaceful settlement.