Pakistan has sounded an alarm at the United Nations Security Council (UNSC), cautioning that US-Israeli attacks on Iran, and the subsequent retaliatory actions, pose a severe risk to regional security with potentially widespread ramifications. “We are deeply alarmed at the risk of regional conflagration,” stated Ambassador Asim Iftikhar Ahmad, Pakistan’s permanent representative to the UN, during an emergency session called by France, China, Russia, Bahrain, and Colombia. The strikes by Israel and the United States on Iran, which reportedly aimed to dismantle Tehran’s missile arsenal and curb its nuclear program, have intensified military tensions in the Middle East. Iran responded with missile barrages targeting Gulf states and Israel, marking a significant escalation. Ambassador Ahmad expressed regret that these joint attacks, which he deemed a violation of international law, occurred amidst ongoing diplomatic efforts for a peaceful resolution. While condemning Iran’s strikes on Saudi Arabia, Bahrain, Jordan, Kuwait, Qatar, and the United Arab Emirates and reaffirming Pakistan’s solidarity with them, he urged all parties to exercise maximum restraint. He highlighted the unfortunate timing, especially given that some targeted nations had been supportive of US-Iran diplomatic solutions, commending Oman’s mediation efforts. The ambassador also condemned the death of a Pakistani national in the UAE due to the attacks. “We urge all sides to refrain from any further actions that may undermine the security and territorial integrity of other regional countries,” he emphasized. Ambassador Ahmad lamented that diplomacy had once again been sidelined, further eroding trust, and called for an immediate halt to escalation and an urgent resumption of dialogue. He offered condolences to civilians affected by the violence, including schoolchildren in Iran and the family of the deceased Pakistani national in the UAE. Citing the UN Charter’s prohibition against the threat or use of force, he called for strict adherence to international law. Pakistan remains committed to prioritizing regional safety and is actively engaging with neighboring countries to support peaceful resolutions. The nation has consistently advocated for peaceful dispute resolution and avoidance of conflict in an already tense region. UN Secretary-General António Guterres, opening the debate, underscored the UN Charter’s principles and condemned both the US-Israeli attacks on Iran and Iran’s subsequent strikes violating the sovereignty of several Middle Eastern nations. He warned of a “grave threat to international peace and security” and stressed that diplomacy is the only viable path. Guterres described the volatile situation, detailing reported strikes across Iran and casualties, including senior officials. He noted Iran’s reported targeting of US military assets in response and civilian casualties in the UAE from falling debris. The Secretary-General expressed deep regret that the opportunity for diplomacy, facilitated by Oman, had been missed, and called for immediate de-escalation and a swift return to negotiations.