Pakistan has strongly condemned Israel’s large-scale airstrikes on Iranian nuclear and military facilities, warning the UN Security Council that the attacks pose a grave threat to international peace and security.

Addressing an emergency UNSC session convened Friday, Pakistan’s UN Ambassador Asim Iftikhar Ahmad called the Israeli actions “unjustified and illegitimate aggression,” violating Iran’s sovereignty and the UN Charter.

The emergency session was requested by Iran following the strikes, which reportedly killed dozens, including senior Iranian military and nuclear officials. Israel has claimed the strikes targeted Iranian nuclear facilities and ballistic missile factories, asserting they were necessary to prevent Iran from developing nuclear weapons.

Iran has vowed retaliation.Ambassador Ahmad reiterated Pakistan’s solidarity with Iran and urged the Security Council to uphold international law and demand an immediate end to the aggression. He emphasized the need for a peaceful resolution through dialogue and diplomacy.

The UN Under-Secretary-General for political affairs, Rosemary DiCarlo, echoed the call for restraint, expressing concern over the escalating situation and its potential to destabilize the region, particularly given the planned resumption of US-Iran nuclear talks.

She stressed the importance of continuing diplomatic efforts to find a peaceful resolution.The IAEA Director General, Rafael Grossi, also addressed the council, highlighting the serious implications of the attacks on nuclear safety and security, emphasizing that nuclear sites must never be targeted.

He offered the IAEA as a neutral platform for dialogue and technical engagement.Pakistan’s statement notably invoked Article 51 of the UN Charter, affirming Iran’s right to self-defense, a position that distinguishes Pakistan’s stance from many other nations.

Foreign Minister Ishaq Dar also spoke with his Iranian counterpart, expressing Pakistan’s condemnation of the attacks and conveying condolences for the loss of life.