Israeli attacks on Iran must not block path to dialogue, Pakistan tells UNSC

Pakistan on Friday warned the UN Security Council that Israel’s attacks on Iran must not be allowed to derail ongoing diplomatic efforts over Tehran’s nuclear program, urging the world body to step up efforts for de-escalation and peace in the Middle East.

Speaking at an emergency meeting of the Security Council convened to discuss the escalating Iran-Israel conflict, Pakistan’s Permanent Representative to the UN, Ambassador Asim Iftikhar Ahmad, condemned what he called Israel’s “unjustified and illegitimate aggression” against Iran, calling it a violation of the UN Charter and international law.

“These illegal actions must not be allowed to scuttle dialogue,” Ambassador Asim said, referring to recent diplomatic efforts, including US and E3 (France, Germany, and the UK) talks with Iran. “Parties must swiftly return to the path of negotiations, which is the only viable means to reach a sustainable agreement regarding the Iranian nuclear program.”

The envoy also raised alarm over Israel’s strikes on Iranian nuclear facilities, calling them “deeply troubling” and a direct threat to regional and global stability. “Such attacks contravene international law, the UN Charter, and the Statute of the IAEA,” he said, urging the nuclear watchdog to take a clear stance and report the implications of such attacks to the Security Council.

Reiterating Islamabad’s solidarity with Tehran, Ambassador Asim extended condolences to the Iranian people for the loss of life resulting from the airstrikes, which he said had caused a “grave humanitarian toll.”

The Pakistani envoy said the crisis comes amid a broader pattern of Israeli aggression across the region—including in Gaza, Syria, Lebanon, and Yemen—warning that continued escalation could spiral beyond control.

He laid out four demands before the Security Council:

• A firm condemnation of Israel’s attacks on Iran in violation of international law.
• Immediate efforts to end hostilities and push for a comprehensive ceasefire.
• Denunciation of attacks on IAEA-monitored nuclear sites, and implementation of UN Security Council Resolution 487.
• A strong call to revive dialogue and diplomacy for a peaceful resolution of the crisis.

Ambassador Asim reaffirmed Pakistan’s long-held position that Iran’s nuclear issue must be resolved peacefully, through dialogue that respects international obligations. He also called for the International Atomic Energy Agency (IAEA) to continue its verification work impartially and without disruption.

“This is a pivotal moment,” he concluded. “Military means and coercion cannot bring lasting peace. The Security Council must unite behind the UN Secretary-General’s call for an immediate end to fighting and a return to diplomacy.”