NSC says reckless acts can lead to a wider conflict amid Iran war

ISLAMABAD: The National Security Committee (NSC) on Monday discussed the regional situation amid the ongoing Iran-Israel war and the US joining the war, with a warning that irresponsible acts could lead triggering a larger conflict.

The attacks on Iranian nuclear facilities are a violation of International Atomic Energy Agency (IAEA) resolutions, international laws and the UN Charter, said the NSC.

At the same time, Pakistan’s top body concerning the security matters condemned the Israeli aggression in strongest terms.

Prime Minister Shehbaz Sharif chaired the NSC meeting, which he had convened in the wake of US strikes on the Iranian nuclear facilities.

Federal cabinet members and top representatives of armed forces attended the meeting that lasted for over two hours.

LITTLE ROOM FOR DIPLOMACY

A statement issued after the meeting says the meeting deliberated upon the developing situation in the region produced by Israeli aggression against Iran.

The Pakistani leadership noted that irresponsible acts would increase tensions that could lead to a wider conflict.

At the same time, they said rising tensions minimising the chances for diplomacy to work and called for finding a peaceful solution under the UN Charter and diplomatic channels.

The demand coincides with Beijing urging the UN Security Council members to back a draft resolution moved by China, Russia and Pakistan, which calls for an immediate and unconditional ceasefire.

On the other hand, the National Security Committee also repeated the stance that Iran enjoyed the right under the UN Charter to defend itself against foreign aggression.

UNWAVERING SUPPORT

Earlier on Sunday, Shehbaz reiterated unwavering support to the Iranian people and government, as he held a telephonic conversation with President Masoud Pezeshkian.

With the call coming in the backdrop of the US strikes on Iran, the two sides agreed to maintain close contact and called for unity among the ranks of Ummah.

Previously, the prime minister during a visit to Tehran last month had said Pakistan fully supports Tehran’s right to pursue a peaceful Iranian civilian nuclear programme.

ARAQCHI MEETS PUTIN

Separately, Iranian Foreign Minister Abbas Araqchi is currently in Moscow two days after US President Donald Trump sent US bomber planes to strike Iran’s three main nuclear sites.

During a meeting, Russian President Vladimir Putin told Iran’s foreign minister on Monday there was no justification for the US bombing of his country and that Moscow was trying to help the Iranian people.

“The absolutely unprovoked aggression against Iran has no basis and no justification,” Putin told Araqchi in televised comments.

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