FMs of 20 Muslim states condemn Israeli attacks on Iran

KARACHI: In light of the rapidly evolving regional developments and the unprecedented escalation of tensions in the Middle East, particularly owing to the ongoing military aggression of Israel against Iran, the foreign ministers of 20 Muslim countries issued a joint statement on Tuesday categorically rejecting and condemning Israel’s attacks on Iran since June 13.

According to the office of the spokesperson for Pakistan’s Ministry of Foreign Affairs, the joint statement has been issued by the foreign ministers of Pakistan, Algeria, Bahrain, Brunei Darussalam, Republic of Chad, the Union of the Comoros, Republic of Djibouti, Egypt, Iraq, Jordan, Kuwait, Libya, Mauritania, Qatar, Kingdom of Saudi Arabia, Federal Republic of Somalia, Republic of the Sudan, Türkiye, Oman, and the United Arab Emirates.

The foreign ministers announced categorical rejection and condemnation of Israel’s recent attacks on the Islamic Republic of Iran, as well as any actions that contravene international law and the purposes and principles of the Charter of the United Nations, while emphasizing the necessity of respecting the sovereignty and territorial integrity of states, adhering to the principles of good neighbourliness, and the peaceful settlement of disputes.

They stressed the imperative need to halt Israeli hostilities against Iran, “which come during a time of increasing tension in the Middle East, and to work towards de-escalation, to achieve a comprehensive ceasefire and restoration of calm, while expressing great concern regarding this dangerous escalation, which threatens to have serious consequences on the peace and stability of the entire region”.

They affirmed the urgent necessity of establishing a Middle East Zone free of nuclear weapons and other weapons of mass destruction, “which shall apply to all States in the region without exception in line with relevant international resolutions, as well as the urgent need for all countries of the Middle East to join the Treaty on the Non-Proliferation of Nuclear Weapons (NPT)”.

The foreign minister also emphasized the paramount importance of refraining from targeting nuclear facilities that are under International Atomic Energy Agency (IAEA) safeguards, in accordance with relevant IAEA resolutions and United Nations Security Council decisions, as such acts constitute a violation of international law and international humanitarian law, including the 1949 Geneva Conventions.

They stressed the urgency of a swift return to the path of negotiations as the only viable means to reach a sustainable agreement regarding the Iranian nuclear programme. They highlighted the importance of safeguarding the freedom of navigation in international waterways per the relevant rules of international law, and refraining from undermining maritime security.

The foreign minister also called for diplomacy, dialogue, and adherence to the principles of good neighbourliness, in accordance with international law and the UN Charter, as the only viable path to resolving crises in the region, and said that military means cannot bring about a lasting resolution to the ongoing crisis.