Pakistan’s permanent representative at the UN, Ambassador Asim Iftikhar Ahmad, sentenced Israeli air strikes on Iran on Friday during an emergency session of the United Nations Security Council, calling them a blatant violation of the Charter of the United Nations and international law.
Addressing a session on war, he urged members to issue a categorical rejection and unconditional and unequivocal condemnation of attacks and to take significant measures to stop the attack.
He congratulated Secretary General António Guterres for a ceasefire, declaring Pakistan’s full support for diplomatic efforts to resolve the crisis.
Also read: The UN chief urges the parties to “ give a chance to peace ” on the Iran-Israel war
Denouncing the “unjustified and illegal” strikes on the peaceful nuclear installations of Iran, he stressed that they had not only violated the guarantees of the International Atomic Energy Agency (AIEA) but that they also challenged the Conventions of Geneva and other world treaties.
Pakistan called on the IAEA to publicly clarify its legal position and to submit a complete report to the Security Council.
By approaching humanitarian benefits, he expressed profound concern about the loss of civil life and a general devastation, warning that such actions posed serious risks for regional and global stability.
Attacks on nuclear installations for peaceful purposes are deeply disturbing. These attacks contravene international law, the UN Charter, the IEA status and the relevant resolutions of the AIEA General Conference on the issue. It is the responsibility of the AIEA of clearly … pic.twitter.com/ncuofc1eil
– Permanent mission of Pakistan at the UN (@pakistanun_ny) June 20, 2025
He also expressed the apprehension of the climbing of tensions in Gaza, Syria, Lebanon and Yemen-citing similar violations of Israel-which he said, further destabilizes the Middle East.
“The last crisis has aggravated existing tensions in the region resulting from the continuing continuous assault by Israel against Gaza, which led to an unprecedented humanitarian disaster for innocent Palestinians, as well as its recurring violations of international law in Syria, Lebanon and Yemen. Added.
It’s a pivotal moment. The Security Council must assume its responsibility and facilitate the peaceful resolution of disputes. Military means and coercion cannot cause a lasting colony. Dialogue and diplomacy in full membership of the principles of international law and … pic.twitter.com/hgiakcvbiw
– Permanent mission of Pakistan at the UN (@pakistanun_ny) June 20, 2025
Ahmad urged the Security Council to take immediate action, to condemn Israel’s attacks on Iran, to obtain an immediate cease-fire, to protect nuclear and civil infrastructure and to support renewed diplomacy under the United Nations resolution 487.
He warned that strikes on nuclear installations have endangered diplomatic efforts in progress and stressed that a peaceful resolution should not be derailed by a new military escalation.
“Israeli illegal strikes against Iran have occurred at the time of intense diplomatic commitment to Iran’s nuclear issue. These illegal actions should not be authorized to sabotage this dialogue. The parties must quickly return to the path of negotiations, which is the only viable way to achieve a lasting Iranian nuclear program,” he added.
Also read: Europe pushes a diplomatic solution to the Irano-Israeli war in Geneva
Undergoing the ongoing negotiations between the United States, E3 and Iran on the Tehran nuclear program, Ahmad said that striking nuclear sites were now likely to undermine these delicate talks.
He also called on the IAEA to maintain non -political professional surveillance of nuclear installations to ensure transparent and reliable reports.
“It is a central moment. A lasting solution cannot be obtained by force,” he said. “Respect for international law and the United Nations Charter is the only way to follow. Diplomacy must have a chance. ”
