Pakistan Raises Alarm at Emergency UN Security Council Session
Pakistan has warned the United Nations Security Council that the US-Israel attack on Iran risks igniting a wider regional conflict. Islamabad said the joint strikes and subsequent retaliation threaten peace and stability across the Middle East.
Speaking during an emergency session of the 15-member Council, Ambassador Asim Iftikhar Ahmad expressed deep concern over escalating hostilities. The meeting was convened at the request of France, China, Russia, Bahrain and Colombia.
“We are deeply alarmed at the risk of regional conflagration,” the Pakistani envoy told the Council. He warned that continued military action could have far-reaching consequences for the entire region.
The emergency debate followed large-scale strikes launched by United States and Israel against Iran. The attacks marked a sharp escalation in tensions. Tehran responded with missile barrages targeting Israel and several Gulf states.
Pakistan described the initial strikes as a violation of international law. The envoy said it was especially regrettable that the attacks occurred while diplomatic efforts were underway.
Pakistan Calls for Restraint and Return to Diplomacy
Ambassador Ahmad condemned both the US-Israeli strikes and Iran’s retaliatory missile attacks. He specifically denounced Iranian strikes on Saudi Arabia, Bahrain, Jordan, Kuwait, Qatar and the United Arab Emirates.
He said Pakistan stands in solidarity with affected Gulf nations. He urged all sides to exercise maximum restraint. He stressed the urgent need to prevent further escalation.
The envoy highlighted that some of these Gulf states had supported diplomatic mediation efforts between Washington and Tehran. He praised Oman for facilitating indirect dialogue between the two sides.
Pakistan also condemned the death of a Pakistani national in the UAE during the attacks. The envoy extended condolences to civilians killed or injured in the violence.
He said diplomacy had once again been derailed at a critical moment. He called for an immediate halt to hostilities. He urged a swift return to negotiations, including talks on Iran’s nuclear programme.
UN Chief Warns of Grave Threat to Global Peace
Opening the debate, António Guterres, Secretary-General of the United Nations, warned of a grave threat to international peace and security.
He condemned the large-scale military strikes by the United States and Israel against Iran. He also criticized subsequent Iranian attacks that violated the sovereignty of regional states.
Guterres said around 20 Iranian cities were reportedly targeted, including Tehran, Isfahan, Qom, Shahriar and Tabriz. Iranian media reported at least 85 people killed in air strikes.
He noted that people were also injured in Iranian missile attacks on Israel. Impacts were reported in the occupied West Bank. Debris from strikes affected parts of Lebanon and Syria.
The UN chief said the situation remains highly fluid. He emphasized that there is no alternative to peaceful dispute resolution. He called for immediate de-escalation and respect for the UN Charter.
Pakistan reiterated that millions of lives remain at risk. Islamabad said it remains in close contact with regional partners. It reaffirmed support for peaceful solutions and adherence to international law.
