20 June 2025
Madam President, I thank Secretary-General Guterres for his presence and thoughtful and compelling remarks. You spoke about a defining moment, collective future, and collective responsibility and I fully agree with your call – to give peace a chance and in that context your appeal to end the fighting and return to negotiations. I also thank Under-Secretary-General Di Carlo for her complimentary briefing, as well as Director-General Grossi for his briefing. We note in particular his view that diplomatic solution is within reach, with necessary political will.
2. Last Friday, the Council held an emergency session in the wake of Israel’s military strikes violating the sovereignty and territorial integrity of the Islamic Republic of Iran, in flagrant contravention of the UN Charter and fundamental principles of international law. One week later, as a result of such irresponsible behaviour, the situation has only exacerbated, with grave implications for regional and international peace and security.
3. Pakistan strongly condemns the unjustified and illegitimate aggression by Israel. We stand in solidarity with the people of Iran. We unequivocally denounce the blatant attacks and military strikes carried out by Israel, which constitute a grave danger and a serious threat to the peace, security, and stability of the entire region and beyond, with serious implications. We offer our sincere condolences and sympathies to the brotherly people of Iran on the loss of life as a result of these unprovoked attacks. The ensuing humanitarian and civilian toll is deplorable. International humanitarian law must be complied by all sides.
4. The attacks against nuclear facilities for peaceful purposes are deeply troubling. Such attacks contravene international law, the charter of the UN, Statute of the IAEA and relevant IAEA General Conference resolutions on the issue. It is the responsibility of the IAEA to clearly pronounce its legal position with regard to such attacks as well as to report to its Board of Governors and to the Security Council about the legal, safeguards, safety and security implications of such attacks. The Agency should fulfil that responsibility.
Madam President,
5. The latest crisis has aggravated the existing tensions in the region arising from Israel’s continuing ruthless assault on Gaza, that has resulted in an unprecedented humanitarian catastrophe for the innocent Palestinians, as well as its recurring violations of international law in Syria, Lebanon and Yemen.
6. The Security Council bears primary responsibility to immediately stop this wanton aggression and hold the aggressor accountable for its actions. The Security Council must fulfil its duty and affirm the following: First, categorical rejection and condemnation of Israel’s attacks on the Islamic Republic of Iran since the 13th of June 2025, and all actions that contravene international law and the purposes and principles of the Charter of the United Nations. Second, play its due role to end the hostilities and promote de-escalation for achieving a comprehensive ceasefire before the situation spirals out of control and threatens the peace and stability of the entire region. Third, clear denunciation of the targeting of IAEA-safeguarded nuclear facilities against the provisions of international law and the UN Charter as reflected in the UN Security Council resolutions, IAEA resolutions and international humanitarian law, including the 1949 Geneva Conventions. The Security Council must implement its own resolution 487. Fourth, call for dialogue and diplomacy to promote a peaceful settlement and lasting resolution of this crisis. Diplomacy must be given a chance.
Madam President,
7. Regrettably, Israeli unlawful strikes against Iran came at the time of intense diplomatic engagement on Iran’s nuclear issue. These illegal actions must not be allowed to scuttle that dialogue. Parties must swiftly return to the path of negotiations, which is the only viable means to reach a sustainable agreement regarding the Iranian nuclear program. We note the willingness expressed by the United States to keep the door for negotiations open. We also take note of the dialogue between the E-3 and Iran. We hope that the diplomatic efforts and engagements will bear fruit.
8. We reaffirm our longstanding position that all issues concerning Iran’s nuclear programme must be resolved peacefully, through dialogue and diplomacy, in accordance with the rights, international obligations and responsibilities of all the parties concerned.
9. At the same time, verification activities by the IAEA, as the competent international technical organisation mandated to implement respective safeguards obligations, should continue unimpeded. The IAEA must continue its work in an impartial and apolitical manner to provide objective reporting and credible information regarding the issues under its purview.
10. This is a pivotal moment. The Security Council must fulfil its responsibility and facilitate peaceful resolution of disputes. Military means and coercion cannot bring about a lasting settlement. Dialogue and diplomacy in full adherence to the principles of international law and the UN Charter, remain the only viable path to resolving the crisis. This Council must unite in support of the Secretary-General’s call for end to fighting and return to dialogue and negotiations. I thank you.