Pakistan condemns US attacks on Iran's nuclear facilities, calls for immediate end to conflict
ISLAMABAD: Pakistan's foreign office condemned the United States' attacks targeting Iran's nuclear facilities on Sunday, warning of the possibility of a wider war in the Middle East as it called for an immediate end to the conflict.
The development took place hours after the US military struck three sites in Iran early Sunday, joining Israel's war aimed at destroying the country's nuclear program. US President Donald Trump warned Iran against carrying out retaliatory attacks, saying Washington could hit more targets 'with precision, speed and skill.'
The Atomic Energy Organization of Iran confirmed that attacks took place on its Fordow, Isfahan and Natanz sites, but it insisted that its work will not be stopped.
'Pakistan condemns the US attacks on Iranian nuclear facilities which follow the series of attacks by Israel,' the foreign office said. 'We are gravely concerned at the possible further escalation of tensions in the region.'
Pakistan said the American attacks violate all norms of international law, adding that Iran has the legitimate right to defend itself under the UN Charter.
'The unprecedented escalation of tension and violence, owing to ongoing aggression against Iran is deeply disturbing,' the foreign office warned. 'Any further escalation of tensions will have severely damaging implications for the region and beyond.'
Pakistan highlighted the need to respect civilian lives and properties and immediately bring the conflict to an end. It called on all parties must adhere to international law, particularly International Humanitarian Law.
'Recourse to dialogue, diplomacy, in line with the principles and purposes of the UN Charter remain the only viable pathway to resolve the crises in the region,' it concluded.
'DOUBLE STANDARDS'
Separately, Deputy Prime Minister Ishaq Dar criticized the international community for its 'double standards' concerning Israel's military aggression against Iran, calling for a peaceful resolution to Tehran's nuclear program dispute in an earlier statement.
Dar was speaking at a special session convened at the Organization of Islamic Cooperation's (OIC) Council of Foreign Ministers meeting in Istanbul.
Pakistan has consistently called on the international community to rein in Israel, especially since it launched military operations in Gaza on Oct. 7, 2023, that have killed over 55,000 people there.
'Excellencies, double standards are on full display when it comes to Israel,' Dar said during a televised session at the special OIC meeting.
'There is no talk of the rule of law, the rules-based international order or consequences for illegal actions. This impunity must end.'
Dar, who also serves as Pakistan's foreign minister, told OIC member states that Israel's action against Iran is part of a 'dangerous and consistent pattern of militarism' that it has demonstrated across the Middle East.
'Israeli aggression represents a dangerous escalation, and is a serious threat to peace and stability, not only of the region, but of the wider world as well,' he noted.
The Iran-Israel conflict began on June 13 when Tel Aviv targeted Iran's military leadership and nuclear facilities through air strikes, saying the country was close to developing an atomic weapon.
Iran denied the allegations, saying its civil nuclear program is for peaceful purposes and has since then retaliated with missile attacks.
Ten days of continuous conflict between the Middle East foes have killed at least 400 people in Iran and injured 3,000, according to Iran's health ministry, while the death toll in Israel from Iran's retaliatory strikes remains at 24.
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