Asger Risom
Pakistan backs Iran after Israeli strikes: “Solidarity with the Iranian people”
The Middle East is once again on edge following Israel’s military strikes on Iranian territory.
While the international community reacts with measured concern, one nuclear-armed nation has broken ranks to issue an unusually firm rebuke. Its reaction could shape the diplomatic landscape in the days ahead.
In the wake of Israel’s deadly strikes on Iranian nuclear and military sites, Pakistan has strongly condemned the attack and voiced its support for Tehran.
The statement marks a significant expression of solidarity from the only Muslim-majority country in the world with nuclear weapons.
“No justification” for Israeli action
Pakistan’s foreign minister, Ishaq Dar, called the Israeli strikes “without justification” and “a violation of international law,” as reported by HotNews.ro.
He declared solidarity with “the government and people of Iran” after the overnight assault, which killed senior Iranian military officials and nuclear scientists.
Dar warned that such operations risk undermining regional stability, especially amid Israel’s ongoing war in Gaza and its regular operations in Yemen, Lebanon, and Syria.
A complex neighborly relationship
Despite historical tensions and recent cross-border attacks, Iran and Pakistan have taken steps toward diplomatic and commercial cooperation.
In January 2024, both countries exchanged missile and drone strikes following accusations of harboring terrorist groups.
However, by April, Iranian leaders had visited Islamabad to express a desire for closer ties.
Pakistan, balancing relationships with powers like the U.S., China, and Saudi Arabia, now positions itself as a voice of restraint and regional equilibrium.
While Islamabad does not recognize the state of Israel, its firm alignment with Iran in this moment highlights the intricate web of alliances and rivalries shaping Middle Eastern geopolitics.