Pakistan has urged all parties to exercise restraint and allow diplomatic efforts to continue as tensions between the United States and Iran escalate following a new round of military confrontations.
Speaking during a United Nations Security Council (UNSC) session on Tuesday, Pakistanâs Permanent Representative to the UN, Asim Iftikhar Ahmad, stressed the importance of preserving the ongoing peace process.
âAs we work earnestly and painstakingly, together with our friends and partners, to find a peaceful diplomatic solution to the conflict, and especially when the final objective is just about to be achieved, we sincerely urge all sides to exercise restraint and give peace a little more chance,â he said.
His remarks came after the United States launched strikes in Iran in response to what US President Donald Trump described as the downing of a US Apache helicopter. Iran later announced retaliatory attacks on military bases and other targets across the Gulf region.
The latest exchange marks one of the most significant escalations since the Pakistan-mediated ceasefire reached in April and raises fresh concerns about efforts to end the conflict that began with joint US-Israeli strikes on Iran on February 28.
Addressing the Security Council, Ambassador Ahmad expressed deep concern over the deteriorating regional situation, warning that recent developments highlighted the fragile nature of the ceasefire and the dangers of renewed escalation.
âEvents of the last few days have amply underscored the fragility of the situation, the risk of escalation and the need for diplomatic efforts to come to fruition â sooner than later,â he said.
He described the renewed violence as a reminder of the severe consequences that could result from the collapse of diplomatic efforts, adding that âThe cycle of violence and instability must end for the good of regional and international peace, security and prosperity.â
The ambassador also voiced concern over the impact of the conflict on discussions surrounding Iranâs nuclear programme, noting that hostilities had widened differences between the parties and disrupted the International Atomic Energy Agencyâs verification activities.
âWe reaffirm our support for the resolution of all outstanding issues, including Iran nuclear issue, through peaceful means, diplomatic engagement and sustained dialogue,â he said.
Emphasising Pakistanâs long-standing support for negotiated solutions, Ahmad stated: âWe are of the view that diplomacy and dialogue should be the guiding principles for achieving negotiated settlement of all contentious issues in accordance with the rights, obligations and responsibilities of the parties concerned.â
He highlighted Pakistanâs diplomatic efforts aimed at reducing tensions and facilitating dialogue between Washington and Tehran. According to Ahmad, Islamabad worked closely with regional and international partners to encourage communication and support peace initiatives.
âWe appreciate both parties for reposing their trust in Pakistan, and engaging in dialogue to achieve a ceasefire and participating in the âIslamabad Talksâ â the highest-level direct engagement between the United States and Iran for over four decades,â he said.
The ambassador noted that Pakistan had maintained contacts with both countries and coordinated with partners including Saudi Arabia, Egypt, Turkiye, Qatar and China to facilitate message exchanges and create conditions conducive to meaningful negotiations.
âPakistanâs sincere efforts are meant to break the momentum of hostilities, save lives and give diplomacy a chance,â he added.
Ahmad said Pakistanâs approach reflected its commitment to regional stability and international peace through constructive and dialogue-based diplomacy.
Concluding his remarks, he urged the international community to remain committed to peaceful engagement.
âSo let us continue to tread the path of peace and diplomacy, for it has bright prospects of success, something that the international community has pinned its hopes on.â
