Pakistan on Friday strongly condemned the “unjustified and illegitimate aggression” by Israel against the Islamic Republic of Iran, and called on the global community to hold the aggressor accountable.
Early on Friday, Israel launched ‘Operation Rising Lion,’ firing missiles on dozens of nuclear sites, missile facilities and military command centers in Iran. Tehran has confirmed the death of several Iranian officials in the strikes, including Major General Hossein Salami and General Mohammad Bagheri and prominent nuclear scientists Fereydoun Abbasi and Mohammad Mehdi Tehranchi. Iran has vowed retaliation, already launching more than 100 drones toward Israel.
In its statement, Pakistan’s Foreign Office made clear the Israeli military strikes violated the sovereignty and territorial integrity of the Islamic Republic of Iran and “clearly” contravened the U.N. Charter and fundamental principles of international law. “Iran has the right to self-defense under Article 51 of the U.N. Charter,” it said.
It stressed that Pakistan stands in resolute solidarity with the people of Iran and unequivocally denounces these blatant provocations. It said the strikes constitute a grave danger and a serious threat to the peace, security, and stability of the entire region and beyond, with serious implications.
“The international community and the United Nations bear responsibility to uphold international law, stop this aggression immediately and hold the aggressor accountable for its actions,” it added.
“Strongly condemn unjustified Israeli attacks on Islamic republic of Iran, which is a brazen violation of Iran’s sovereignty,” read a separate statement posted by Foreign Minister Ishaq Dar on X. “This abhorrent action has shaken foundations of international law, as well as conscience of humanity, and gravely undermines regional stability and international security,” he said.
“Pakistan stands in solidarity with the government and the people of Iran,” he added.
There are growing fears the unfolding conflict will become a “slow” war, with implications for the global economy as shipping lanes and oil supplies are impacted.