PM Shehbaz Condemns US Strikes on Iran in Call with President Pezeshkian, Urges Return to Diplomacy
Islamabad, The Gulf Observer: Prime Minister Muhammad Shehbaz Sharif held a telephone conversation with Iranian President Masoud Pezeshkian on Sunday, strongly condemning the recent United States air strikes on Iran, particularly those targeting nuclear facilities under International Atomic Energy Agency (IAEA) safeguards. The Prime Minister labelled the strikes a blatant violation of international law and the IAEA Statute.
The Prime Minister’s Office confirmed that the conversation took place on Sunday afternoon, shortly after US President Donald Trump announced that Washington had conducted air strikes that “completely and totally obliterated” Iran’s key nuclear sites, including the Fordow enrichment plant, Natanz, and Isfahan facilities. The announcement has significantly heightened tensions across the Middle East.
In the conversation, Prime Minister Shehbaz Sharif expressed Pakistan’s firm condemnation of the US attacks, which he noted followed eight days of unprovoked and unjustified aggression by Israel. He conveyed Islamabad’s unwavering solidarity with the Iranian people and government, extended heartfelt condolences for the lives lost, and wished a swift recovery to the injured.
Raising grave concern over the targeting of nuclear facilities protected under IAEA safeguards, the Prime Minister emphasised that such actions represent a serious breach of international legal norms and regulatory frameworks established under the IAEA.
While underscoring Iran’s inherent right to self-defence in accordance with Article 51 of the United Nations Charter, PM Shehbaz stressed the urgent need to return to dialogue and diplomacy as the only viable and sustainable path forward. He also called for immediate collective international efforts to de-escalate the situation, reaffirming Pakistan’s readiness to play a constructive role in supporting peace and stability in the region.
President Pezeshkian, in response, expressed deep appreciation for Pakistan’s principled support and solidarity during this critical time. He thanked Prime Minister Shehbaz Sharif, the government, the people of Pakistan, and its military leadership for their unwavering stance in support of Iran’s sovereignty and people.
Both leaders emphasized the critical need for unity within the Muslim Ummah and agreed to maintain close and continuous engagement in the coming days.
