In a joint statement released by Pakistan’s foreign ministry on Wednesday, Iran and Pakistan urged the United Nations Security Council to take measures against Israel. They accused Israel of “illegally” attacking neighbouring countries and foreign diplomatic sites. This appeal followed a three-day visit to Pakistan by Iranian President Ebrahim Raisi, during a period of escalating tensions in the Middle East.
Explosions were heard last Friday over the Iranian city of Isfahan in what sources said was an Israeli attack. However, Tehran played down the incident and said it had no plans for retaliation.
“Recognizing that the irresponsible act of the Israeli regime forces was a major escalation in an already volatile region, both sides called on the UN Security Council to prevent the Israeli regime from its adventurism in the region and its illegal acts attacking its neighbours…,” Iran and Pakistan said in their joint statement.
Muslim neighbours Iran and Pakistan are seeking to mend ties after unprecedented tit-for-tat military strikes this year.
Raisi, who wrapped up his visit and flew on to Sri Lanka on Wednesday, vowed to boost trade between Iran and Pakistan to $10 billion a year.
During his visit to Pakistan, Raisi was quoted by Iran’s official IRNA news agency as saying any further Israeli attack on Iranian territory could radically change the dynamics and result in there being nothing left of the “Zionist regime”.
On April 13, Tehran responded to what it claimed was an Israeli attack on the Iranian embassy in Damascus on April 1 by launching a series of missiles and drones at Israel. However, nearly all of these were intercepted and shot down.
Pakistan has previously called for de-escalation by “all parties”.
During President Raisi’s visit, Iran and Pakistan committed to enhancing their trade and energy collaboration, focusing on advancing a significant gas pipeline project that has been hindered by geopolitical challenges and international sanctions.
With Inputs From Reuters
