United Nations, 24 June 2025(Kamran Raja):
Madam President,
We thank USG Rosemary DiCarlo and Ambassador Stavros Lambrinidis for their briefings. I also thank Ambassador Samuel Žbogar for presenting the report in his capacity as the Facilitator of the “2231 Format”. The core, common element of the three briefings was the primacy of a peaceful, diplomatic solution.
1. We are meeting at a crucial point in the implementation of resolution 2231 (2015) and Security Council’s consideration of Iran’s nuclear issue. Obviously, the developments of the past two weeks have impacted the context of the whole issue and have a bearing on our discussions today.
2. However, what has not changed are the fundamental principles and the multilateral spirit behind the Joint Comprehensive Plan of Action (JCPOA) and the Resolution 2231, adopted ten years ago.
3. The JCPOA was a unique instrument – manifestation of an approach based on dialogue, diplomacy and pragmatism. It was the outcome of painstaking and arduous, yet constructive negotiations. It charted a roadmap to comprehensively address the concerns of the parties concerned by clearly defining their relevant obligations and responsibilities. While proceeding very well, the Agreement was regrettably disrupted, leaving many complications in its wake, that impacted the full and faithful implementation of the JCPOA by various parties.
4. Notwithstanding these challenges, the most widely held view was that dialogue, diplomacy and constructive engagement was the only viable way forward. That view was still there out back in play with the negotiations between Iran and the United States facilitated by Oman, till it was violently disrupted by the unlawful and illegal military attacks on the IAEA-safeguarded Iranian nuclear facilities. These military strikes also impeded the IAEA’s crucial verification functions in Iran.
5. Pakistan has expressed its clear position on these developments in this Chamber and elsewhere over the past two weeks. What we have witnessed should never have happened. Even now, it is our firm belief that these actions should not be allowed to further complicate the peaceful resolution of longstanding issues as well as the full and effective implementation of resolution 2231.
Madam President,
6. We reaffirm our support for the resolution of the Iran nuclear issue through peaceful means, diplomatic engagement and sustained dialogue. Pakistan advocates the preservation and the renewal of the JCPOA, or its substitution by an equally sound agreement that is acceptable to all sides, before it expires in October 2025.
7. The IAEA is the institution responsible for verifying compliance with respective nuclear safeguards obligations of Member States. It is mandated to do so in an objective, impartial and credible manner, purely on technical grounds. The IAEA must be enabled to fulfil this statutory function. We believe that verification activities by the IAEA should continue unimpeded. The IAEA must continue its work in an impartial and apolitical manner to provide objective reporting and credible information regarding the issues under its purview.
Madam President,
8. With regards to recent developments in the region, I would like to emphasize the following five points:
First, condemnation of violation of the sovereignty and territorial integrity of Member States and, of the threat or use of force to settle disputes
Second, clear rejection of attacks on IAEA-safeguarded nuclear facilities, which violate Security Council and IAEA resolutions, as well as international humanitarian law
Third, we request the Secretary-General to report on the implications of these developments on the implementation of Resolution 2231, particularly those arising from military strikes against nuclear facilities; and we also request the Director General IAEA to share his assessment from legal, technical, safety, security and safeguards points of view
Fourth, we urge sustained cessation of hostilities and a permanent ceasefire to allow resumption of dialogue and verification activities by the IAEA
Fifth, there is an urgent need to renew diplomatic engagement to seriously and faithfully address the outstanding issues in a cooperative manner, as per the rights, obligations and responsibilities of the parties concerned.
Madam President,
9. We welcome the announcement of the ceasefire understanding between Iran and Israel and we expect this to be fully respected. We commend those who played pivotal role in facilitating this development and hope this positive step will contribute to lasting peace and stability in the region.
10. This is a vital step that must now be followed up by constructive and comprehensive engagement. Pakistan firmly believes that all disputes must be resolved in accordance with the principles of the UN Charter and international law, including respect for sovereignty and territorial integrity. We call on all parties to fulfil their respective obligations and responsibilities and avoid any further escalation. Most importantly, the trust and confidence in the diplomatic engagement, that was damaged by the unprovoked aggression, must be meticulously restored.
11. The Council should allow sufficient time to continuing efforts between the IAEA and Iran as well as other parties to resolve outstanding issues. Recent developments have yet again manifested the grave dangers that present themselves when there are violations of the UN Charter and international law. The cost of seeking to resolve issues through military means is more than evident. The region, and indeed the whole world, cannot be hostage to such adventures, dangerous precedents and spiraling escalations.
12. Diplomatic engagement and the resumption of dialogue are the best means to resolve all outstanding issues. Diplomacy has delivered previously and with the necessary political will, it can certainly deliver again.
13. Lastly, allow me to inform the Council that following up on the draft resolution circulated by China, Pakistan and Russia on Sunday, we have updated and revised the text to reflect the latest developments, including the ceasefire and have circulated it to the Council members. Securing the ceasefire was one of the primary objectives of the draft resolution, in addition to calling for a negotiated settlement of the Iranian nuclear issue and promoting respect for international law under all circumstances.
14. We will engage constructively with fellow members on the text of the draft resolution, with a view to arriving at a consensus outcome – signifying the Council’s support for sustained ceasefire and dialogue and diplomatic engagement for a lasting solution.
I thank you.