Pakistan warns UNSC ‘unjust’ US-Israeli attacks risk destabilising entire region

• Ambassador Asim Iftikhar Ahmad regrets strikes carried out amid renewed diplomatic efforts for peaceful resolution

• Islamabad condemns Iran’s attacks on Gulf states, expresses solidarity with Saudi Arabia, UAE and others

• UN chief warns of grave threat to international peace, urges immediate de-escalation

 UNITED NATIONS: Pakistan on Saturday warned the United Nations Security Council that recent US-Israeli attacks could undermine the security of the entire region “with far-reaching consequences,” regretting that the joint strikes—in violation of international law—had occurred at a time when renewed diplomatic efforts were underway to reach a peaceful, negotiated solution.

“We are deeply alarmed at the risk of regional conflagration,” Asim Iftikhar Ahmad, Pakistan’s permanent representative to the UN, told the 15-member Council, which met in emergency session on Saturday evening at the request of France, China, Russia, Bahrain, and Colombia.

The meeting was presided over by James Kariuki, Ambassador of the United Kingdom and President of the Council for February.

At the same time, Ambassador Asim Ahmad condemned Iran’s attacks against Saudi Arabia, Bahrain, Jordan, Kuwait, Qatar, and the United Arab Emirates, stressing that Pakistan stood in solidarity with these countries and underscoring the urgent need for maximum restraint.

He said it was particularly unfortunate that some of the targeted countries had been actively supporting diplomatic efforts to resolve tensions between the United States and Iran, and specifically lauded Oman for its role in facilitating and mediating dialogue between Tehran and Washington.

The Pakistani envoy also condemned the death of a Pakistani national in the United Arab Emirates during the attacks, describing it as a tragic and deeply regrettable incident.

“We urge all sides to refrain from any further actions that may undermine the security and territorial integrity of other regional countries,” he said.

Ambassador Asim Ahmad noted that diplomacy had once again been “derailed” in the midst of efforts to reach a peaceful solution, further eroding trust that was already in short supply. He called on all parties to immediately halt escalation and urgently resume diplomacy aimed at achieving a peaceful, negotiated resolution to the crisis.

Expressing condolences to civilians caught in the violence, the envoy said Pakistan’s thoughts were with schoolchildren in Iran, civilians elsewhere, and the family of the Pakistani national killed in the UAE.

“The purposes and principles of the United Nations Charter are inviolable and sacrosanct,” he said, noting that the Charter prohibits the threat or use of force against the territorial integrity or political independence of states. Pakistan, he added, called for full respect for international law, including the UN Charter and international humanitarian law.

Reiterating concern over the safety of millions across the region, the envoy said Pakistan remained in close contact and coordination with brotherly neighbouring countries, including at the leadership level, and stood ready to support efforts aimed at peaceful conflict resolution.

He emphasised that Pakistan had consistently advocated the primacy of peaceful dispute settlement and the avoidance of confrontation in a region already marked by volatility and tension, stressing that dialogue and diplomacy must guide efforts toward negotiated settlements in line with international obligations.

 UN chief warns of grave threat to peace

Opening the debate, UN Secretary-General António Guterres focused his remarks on principles, facts, and “the way out.”

Quoting the UN Charter, he said: “All Members shall refrain in their international relations from the threat or use of force against the territorial integrity or political independence of any state,” stressing that international law and international humanitarian law must always be respected.

He condemned the massive military strikes by the United States and Israel against Iran, as well as Iran’s subsequent attacks violating the sovereignty and territorial integrity of Bahrain, Iraq, Jordan, Kuwait, Qatar, Saudi Arabia, and the United Arab Emirates.

“We are witnessing a grave threat to international peace and security,” the UN chief warned, adding: “There is no viable alternative to the peaceful settlement of international disputes.”

Describing the situation on the ground as “very fluid,” Guterres said around 20 cities across Iran, including Tehran, Isfahan, Qom, Shahriar, and Tabriz, had reportedly been attacked. He said large explosions were reported in Tehran, including in a district housing the presidential palace.

Several high-ranking officials were reportedly killed, including—according to Israeli sources—Iran’s Supreme Leader Ali Khamenei, the UN chief said. Iranian media reported that air strikes had killed at least 201 people, with military action expanding rapidly across the region.

According to Israeli sources, people were injured in Iran’s subsequent strikes on Israel, with impacts felt in the occupied West Bank, while Iran also announced it had targeted US military assets in the region. Falling debris caused indirect damage in Lebanon and Syria, while most Gulf states intercepted incoming strikes; however, the United Arab Emirates reported that one civilian was killed by debris.

Guterres noted that the US-Israeli attacks came after the third round of indirect talks between the US and Iran, mediated by Oman. “I deeply regret that this opportunity of diplomacy has been squandered,” he said, calling for de-escalation, an immediate cessation of hostilities, and a return to negotiations, particularly on Iran’s nuclear programme.