“Iran has right to self-defence,” Pakistan strongly denounces Israeli attacks at UNSC

Pakistan’s Permanent Representative to the United Nations, Ambassador Asim Iftikhar, has affirmed that "Iran has the right to defend itself under the article 51 of the United Nations Charter."

Addressing a United Nations Security Council meeting convened to discuss the recent attacks on Iran, Iftikhar strongly condemned Israel’s “illegal and unjustified” assault on Iranian territory.

He stated that the Israeli strike constitutes a blatant violation of Iran’s sovereignty and territorial integrity, and reiterated that Iran is entitled to self-defence under Article 51 of the UN Charter.

The Security Council session was held as Iran continues retaliatory strikes following Israel’s attack on multiple Iranian military and nuclear installations on June 13. That assault resulted in the deaths of top Iranian military leaders, including Chief of Staff Major General Mohammad Baqeri, Revolutionary Guards Commander Major General Hossein Salami, and several nuclear scientists.

During his remarks, the Pakistani envoy expressed solidarity with the “brotherly people of Iran” and conveyed Pakistan’s deepest condolences over the loss of life and destruction caused by the Israeli attacks.

“These attacks are a serious threat to regional peace, security, and stability,” Iftikhar said, warning that Israel’s repeated violations of sovereignty are becoming dangeous norm.

He added that the Israeli assault reflects a dangerous pattern of Tel Aviv’s reckless military behavior, as evidenced by its ongoing operations in Gaza and repeated cross-border attacks in Syria, Lebanon, and Yemen. This conduct, he stressed, demonstrates a deliberate and continuing disregard for international law and norms.

Ambassador Iftikhar stated that Israel’s actions constitute a clear violation of Article 2(4) of the UN Charter, and amount to acts of aggression as defined under General Assembly Resolution 3314 (1974).

Following Friday’s Israeli strikes, Iran launched a large-scale retaliatory operation, dubbed ‘Operation True Promise 3,’ firing hundreds of missiles at Israel.

The commander of Iran’s Revolutionary Guards claimed that over 150 targets were hit across Israel, with explosions reported throughout the capital, Tel Aviv.

While Israel stated that many of the incoming missiles were intercepted by its air defense system with US assistance, several Iranian projectiles reportedly reached their targets, including military bases and the Ministry of National Security, according to Iranian media.