Iran and Pakistan Urge UN Action Against Israel, Call for Gaza Ceasefire

Iran and Pakistan have issued a joint statement calling on the United Nations Security Council to take action against Israel for "illegally" targeting neighboring countries and foreign diplomatic facilities. The statement, released by Pakistan's foreign office following a three-day visit by Iranian President Ebrahim Raisi, condemned Israel's actions as a "major escalation in an already volatile region."

The two countries urged the UN Security Council to take action and prevent Israel from targeting foreign diplomatic facilities. They also called for an immediate and unconditional ceasefire in Gaza and the delivery of humanitarian aid. The statement specifically condemned Israel's attack on the Iranian Embassy in Damascus and its ongoing aggression against the Palestinian people, including the blockade of Gaza.

During Raisi's visit, Iran and Pakistan agreed to boost bilateral trade to $10 billion in the next five years and to enhance economic and commercial cooperation, including finalizing a Free Trade Agreement. They also vowed to adopt a collaborative approach to combat militant violence, enhance security, and fully operationalize barter trade mechanisms.

Why this matters: The joint statement by Iran and Pakistan reflects growing regional tensions and concerns over Israel's actions in the Middle East. It also highlights the strengthening ties between the two neighboring countries, as they seek to increase economic cooperation and address security challenges.

The statement comes amid ongoing tensions in the region, including reports of an Israeli strike targeting an Iranian air base near Isfahan, close to nuclear facilities, and the bombing of the Iranian consulate in Damascus, Syria. Iran has threatened to annihilate Israel in case of an attack on Iranian territory, while Israel has been engaged in a conflict with Hamas in Gaza since October 2023.

In a related development, U.S. President Joe Biden signed a $95 billion war aid measure that includes $26 billion for Israel and $1 billion in humanitarian assistance to Gaza, ending months of wrangling with Republicans in Congress. Meanwhile, student protests continue at Columbia University in New York over the Israeli war in Gaza, with the university agreeing to 48 more hours of negotiations to end a protest encampment on campus.

The joint statement by Iran and Pakistan stressed the need to further strengthen bilateral economic cooperation and reaffirmed their commitment to the development of Afghanistan as a peaceful, united, sovereign, and independent state. Pakistan's Foreign Minister also commended the UAE's leadership for its swift and efficient response to the devastating floods in the country.

Key Takeaways

• Iran and Pakistan call on UN to act against Israel's "illegal" actions in region.
• Iran and Pakistan agree to boost bilateral trade to $10 billion in 5 years.
• US signs $95B war aid bill, including $26B for Israel and $1B for Gaza.
• Student protests continue at Columbia over Israeli war in Gaza.
• Pakistan commends UAE's response to devastating floods in the country.