The National Security Committee (NSC) on Monday warned Israel’s “reckless” military actions against Iran have escalated regional tensions, threatening to ignite a wider conflict and undermining prospects for dialogue and diplomacy.
Chaired by Prime Minister Shehbaz Sharif, the civil-military convened to review the evolving regional situation following Israeli aggression against Iran. Strongly condemning Israel’s acts of aggression, the NSC regretted that these military attacks coincided with a constructive negotiation process between Iran and the United States.
“These reckless actions have escalated tensions, threatening to ignite a wider conflict and diminishing the opportunities for dialogue and diplomacy. The NSC reaffirmed Iran’s right to self-defense as enshrined in the U.N. Charter,” read a statement issued by the Prime Minister’s Office.
The NSC also condoled with the government and people of Iran on the loss of innocent lives and prayed for the recovery of all injured. Reiterating Pakistan’s stated position on the conflict, the NSC expressed grave concern over the potential for further escalation after the American attacks on Iranian nuclear facilities in Fordow, Natanz, and Isfahan on June 22.
It said these attacks had violated the resolutions of the International Atomic Energy Agency (IAEA), relevant international law, and the U.N. Charter. The NSC also reaffirmed Pakistan’s close engagement with relevant parties and endorsed its readiness to further continue efforts and initiatives aimed at promoting regional peace and stability.
The NSC urged all relevant parties to resolve the conflict through dialogue and diplomacy, in line with the U.N. Charter. It underscored the need to adhere to international human rights and humanitarian laws.
The prime minister convened the NSC meeting after the U.S. attack, which raised fears of mounting tensions and a broader regional conflict.
On Monday night, Iran retaliated against the U.S. strikes by targeting American bases in various Gulf states, including Qatar, Saudi Arabia, Bahrain and Kuwait. Tehran said it had informed the states of its intent in advance, allowing evacuations of the bases to prevent any casualties.
On Tuesday morning, U.S. President Donald Trump announced Iran and Israel had agreed to a ceasefire and urged both sides not to violate it. Since the announcement, neither side has initiated any strikes against the other.
While Israel has yet to confirm or deny the ceasefire, Iran’s foreign minister has said that Tehran has no intention of continuing its response if Tel Aviv ceases all hostilities.