Pakistan has issued a stern warning to the United Nations Security Council (UNSC) regarding the recent military actions undertaken by the United States and Israel against Iran. The Pakistani delegation emphasized that these attacks, followed by Iran’s retaliatory missile strikes, pose a serious threat to the security and stability of the entire Middle East region. The consequences of this escalating conflict could be far-reaching, potentially destabilizing an already volatile area and impacting global peace efforts.
During an emergency session convened on Saturday evening at the behest of France, China, Russia, Bahrain, and Colombia, Pakistan’s permanent representative to the UN, Ambassador Asim Iftikhar Ahmad, expressed deep concern over the unfolding situation. He highlighted the risk of a broader regional conflagration that could spiral out of control if immediate steps are not taken to de-escalate tensions. The session was called in response to the sudden surge in hostilities following coordinated strikes by Israel and the US on Iranian targets, which marked a significant intensification of military confrontations in the Middle East.
The attacks initiated by Israel and the United States occurred amid President Donald Trump’s firm declaration to dismantle Tehran’s missile capabilities and obstruct its nuclear ambitions. This aggressive posture triggered a swift and forceful response from Iran, which launched a comprehensive missile barrage targeting several Gulf states as well as Israel itself. This tit-for-tat exchange has sharply heightened regional hostilities, raising fears of an all-out conflict that could engulf multiple countries.
In his address to the Security Council, Ambassador Ahmad lamented that these military operations violated international law and came at a time when diplomatic channels were actively engaged in seeking a peaceful resolution. He underscored the unfortunate timing, noting that these attacks undermined ongoing efforts aimed at dialogue and negotiation. The Pakistani envoy also condemned Iran’s missile strikes on Saudi Arabia, Bahrain, Jordan, Kuwait, Qatar, and the United Arab Emirates, affirming Pakistan’s solidarity with these nations and calling on all parties to exercise maximum restraint to prevent further escalation.
Furthermore, Ambassador Ahmad pointed out the paradox that some of the countries targeted by Iran had been playing constructive roles in mediating between Washington and Tehran. He particularly praised Oman for its facilitation of indirect talks, which had brought the two adversaries closer to a diplomatic breakthrough before violence erupted. The Pakistani representative also expressed sorrow over the death of a Pakistani citizen in the UAE during the missile attacks, highlighting the human cost of the conflict.
Pakistan’s envoy urged all involved parties to immediately cease actions that jeopardize the sovereignty and territorial integrity of regional states. He stressed that the recent surge in violence has derailed diplomatic progress and further eroded the fragile trust necessary for peace negotiations. Calling for an urgent halt to hostilities, Ambassador Ahmad appealed for a swift return to dialogue aimed at achieving a sustainable and peaceful solution to the crisis.
Expressing condolences to innocent civilians caught in the crossfire, the Pakistani diplomat mentioned the plight of schoolchildren in Iran and other affected populations across the region. He also extended sympathies to the family of the Pakistani national killed in the UAE. Emphasizing the inviolability of the United Nations Charter, Ambassador Ahmad reminded the Council that the use or threat of force against the sovereignty of states is strictly prohibited under international law, which Pakistan steadfastly supports.
Highlighting Pakistan’s commitment to regional peace, the ambassador noted ongoing close coordination with neighboring and allied countries at the highest levels of leadership. Pakistan remains ready to assist in any initiatives aimed at resolving outstanding disputes through peaceful means. He reiterated the country’s consistent stance advocating for dialogue and diplomacy as the only viable paths to prevent further conflict in a region already burdened by tension and instability.
Opening the Security Council debate, UN Secretary-General António Guterres focused on the fundamental principles of international law and the urgent need for de-escalation. He reminded member states of their obligations under the UN Charter to refrain from the use or threat of force against the territorial integrity or political independence of any nation. The Secretary-General condemned the large-scale strikes by the US and Israel against Iran, as well as Iran’s subsequent missile attacks on Bahrain, Iraq, Jordan, Kuwait, Qatar, Saudi Arabia, and the United Arab Emirates, all of which violated the sovereignty of these countries.
Guterres warned that the current situation represents a grave threat to international peace and security, underscoring that peaceful settlement remains the only viable option to resolve disputes. Describing the situation as highly fluid, he reported that approximately 20 cities across Iran, including Tehran, Isfahan, Qom, Shahriar, and Tabriz, had been targeted, with significant explosions reported in Tehran’s key government districts. The UN chief also mentioned reports of senior Iranian officials killed in the strikes, including claims from Israeli sources about the death of Iran’s Supreme Leader.
Iranian media, at least 85 people lost their lives in the air strikes, with military operations rapidly expanding throughout the region. The Secretary-General noted that Iran’s retaliatory missile attacks caused injuries in Israel and had repercussions in the occupied West Bank. Iran also declared it had targeted US military installations in response to the initial attacks. Additionally, indirect effects such as falling debris were reported in Lebanon and Syria, while most Gulf states managed to intercept incoming missiles. The UAE confirmed the death of one civilian due to debris from the attacks.
Guterres pointed out that the US and Israeli strikes came shortly after a third round of indirect negotiations between Washington and Tehran, mediated by Oman. He expressed deep regret that this diplomatic opportunity was lost and called for an immediate de-escalation of hostilities. The UN chief urged all parties to cease military actions promptly and to return to the negotiating table, including discussions on Iran’s nuclear program, to prevent further deterioration of the situation.
