Pakistan’s Permanent Representative to the UN, Ambassador Asim Iftikhar Ahmad, on Friday condemned Israeli airstrikes on Iran during an emergency session of the UN Security Council, calling them a blatant violation of the UN Charter and international law.
Addressing a session on the war, he urged members to issue a categorical rejection and an unconditional and unequivocal condemnation of the attacks and to take meaningful action to halt the aggression.
He praised Secretary-General António Guterres’s earlier appeal for a ceasefire, declaring Pakistan’s full support for diplomatic efforts to resolve the crisis.
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Denouncing the “unjustified and illegal” strikes on Iran’s peaceful nuclear facilities, he stressed that they not only breached International Atomic Energy Agency (IAEA) safeguards but also defied the Geneva Conventions and other global treaties.
Pakistan called on the IAEA to publicly clarify its legal position and to submit a full report to the Security Council.
Touching upon the humanitarian fallout, he expressed deep concern over the loss of civilian lives and widespread devastation, warning that such actions posed serious risks to regional and global stability.
The attacks against nuclear facilities for peaceful purposes are deeply troubling. Such attacks contravene international law, the charter of the UN, Statute of the IAEA and relevant IAEA General Conference resolutions on the issue. It is the responsibility of the IAEA to clearly… pic.twitter.com/nCuofC1eil
— Permanent Mission of Pakistan to the UN (@PakistanUN_NY) June 20, 2025
He also voiced apprehension about escalating tensions in Gaza, Syria, Lebanon, and Yemen — citing similar violations by Israel — which, he said, further destabilise the Middle East.
"The latest crisis has aggravated the existing tensions in the region arising from Israel’s continuing ruthless assault on Gaza, that has resulted in an unprecedented humanitarian catastrophe for the innocent Palestinians, as well as its recurring violations of international law in Syria, Lebanon and Yemen. The Security Council bears primary responsibility to immediately stop this wanton aggression and hold the aggressor accountable for its actions", he added.
This is a pivotal moment. The Security Council must fulfil its responsibility and facilitate peaceful resolution of disputes. Military means and coercion cannot bring about a lasting settlement. Dialogue and diplomacy in full adherence to the principles of international law and… pic.twitter.com/hGiAKcVbiw
— Permanent Mission of Pakistan to the UN (@PakistanUN_NY) June 20, 2025
Ahmad urged the Security Council to take immediate steps, condemn Israel’s attacks on Iran, secure an immediate ceasefire, protect nuclear and civilian infrastructure, and support renewed diplomacy under UN resolution 487.
He cautioned that the strikes on nuclear facilities endangered ongoing diplomatic efforts and stressed that a peaceful resolution must not be derailed by further military escalation.
"Israeli unlawful strikes against Iran came at the time of intense diplomatic engagement on Iran’s nuclear issue. These illegal actions must not be allowed to scuttle that dialogue. 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", he added.
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Highlighting ongoing negotiations between the US, E3 and Iran over Tehran’s nuclear program, Ahmad said striking nuclear sites now risked undermining these delicate talks.
He also called for the IAEA to maintain non-political, professional monitoring of nuclear facilities to ensure transparent and reliable reporting.
“This is a pivotal moment. A durable solution cannot be achieved through force,” he asserted. “Respect for international law and the UN Charter is the only path forward. Diplomacy must be given a chance.”
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