Key Words
- We are gravely concerned at the possible further escalation: Pakistan
- US military struck three sites in Iran early Sunday
- Pakistan highlights need to respect civilian lives
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.
“We are gravely concerned at the possible further escalation of tensions in the region,” the Ministry of Foreign Affairs (MOFA) spokesperson said in a statement issued.
The attacks
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 programme. 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 Organisation 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.
“Attacks violate all norms”
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.
Peaceful resolution
Separately, Deputy Prime Minister Ishaq Dar criticised the international community for its “double standards” concerning Israel’s military aggression against Iran, calling for a peaceful resolution to Tehran’s nuclear programme dispute in an earlier statement.
Dar was speaking at a special session convened at the Organisation of Islamic Cooperation’s (OIC) Council of Foreign Ministers meeting in Istanbul.
