New York | June 24, 2025 — At a pivotal United Nations Security Council (UNSC) briefing on Resolution 2231 (2015) and the Joint Comprehensive Plan of Action (JCPOA), Pakistan firmly advocated for a peaceful and diplomatic resolution to the Iran nuclear issue. Ambassador Asim Iftikhar Ahmad, Pakistan’s Permanent Representative to the UN, delivered a strong statement, categorically rejecting recent military strikes on IAEA-safeguarded Iranian nuclear facilities.
These unlawful attacks, he emphasized, violated international law, disrupted diplomatic efforts, and undermined the verification activities of the International Atomic Energy Agency (IAEA).
Moreover, while expressing gratitude to USG Rosemary DiCarlo, Ambassador Stavros Lambrinidis, and Ambassador Samuel Žbogar for their briefings, Ambassador Ahmad stressed the urgent need to uphold multilateralism and respect international norms. He reminded the Council that diplomacy had successfully produced the JCPOA a decade ago. Therefore, it must once again guide the way forward.
Supporting the IAEA and Upholding International Law
Ambassador Ahmad reaffirmed Pakistan’s unwavering support for the IAEA’s impartial and technical role in verifying nuclear safeguards. He argued that the Agency must operate without external interference and insisted that recent developments must not derail diplomatic progress.
“The IAEA must continue its work in an apolitical manner to provide credible information,” he stated.
To address the situation effectively, he then outlined five key points that Pakistan considers essential in light of the recent escalation:
- Condemning all violations of sovereignty and the use of force;
- Rejecting attacks on IAEA-monitored nuclear facilities;
- Requesting a detailed report from both the UN Secretary-General and the IAEA Director General;
- Urging a permanent ceasefire and renewed diplomatic dialogue;
- Stressing the urgent need for cooperative solutions rooted in international law.
Welcoming Ceasefire and Proposing a Resolution
In a notable development, Pakistan welcomed the ceasefire understanding between Iran and Israel. Ambassador Ahmad *called on all parties to honor the agreement, recognizing the crucial efforts of those who helped broker the deal. However, he emphasized that this ceasefire must serve as a *starting point for broader, long-term dialogue aimed at regional peace and stability.
Furthermore, he informed the Council that Pakistan, in collaboration with China and Russia, had circulated an updated draft resolution. The revised text reflects recent developments and focuses on three core objectives:
- Endorsing the ceasefire;
- Promoting diplomatic negotiations;
- Upholding the principles of international law.
Pakistan, he affirmed, will continue to work constructively with Council members to achieve consensus and progress toward a peaceful resolution.
A Call for Renewed Commitment to Diplomacy
In closing, Ambassador Ahmad reiterated the high cost of military solutions and urged Council members to renew their commitment to diplomacy. “Diplomacy has delivered in the past,” he declared, “and with the necessary political will, it can certainly deliver again.”
Through this clear and consistent stance on peace, diplomacy, and legal norms, Pakistan continues to play a constructive and responsible role in addressing the Iran nuclear issue.
