
NSC condemns Israeli aggression against Iran, warns of regional instability
The National Security Committee (NSC) on Monday strongly condemned Israel's recent attacks on Iran, warning that the aggression could trigger a broader regional conflict and derail ongoing diplomatic efforts.
Prime Minister Shehbaz Sharif chaired the high-level meeting, which reviewed the evolving regional situation in the wake of Israeli strikes on Iranian nuclear facilities in Fordow, Natanz, and Isfahan on June 22.
The NSC expressed regret that the attacks coincided with a constructive negotiation process between Iran and the United States, calling Israel's actions 'reckless' and 'escalatory.'
'These reckless actions have escalated tensions, threatening to ignite a wider conflict and diminishing the opportunities for dialogue and diplomacy,' the Committee said in a statement issued by the Prime Minister's Office.
National Security Committee to meet today
The NSC reaffirmed Iran's right to self-defence under the United Nations Charter and extended condolences to the Iranian government and people over the loss of innocent lives. It also prayed for the speedy recovery of those injured in the attacks.
Calling the Israeli strikes a violation of International Atomic Energy Agency (IAEA) resolutions, international law, and the UN Charter, the NSC voiced deep concern over the potential for further escalation in the region.
The Committee reiterated Pakistan's commitment to regional peace and stability, emphasising the importance of dialogue and diplomacy. It also reaffirmed Islamabad's readiness to engage with relevant parties and support initiatives aimed at de-escalation.
'The Committee underscored the need for strict adherence to international human rights and humanitarian laws,' the statement added.
The National Security Council is Pakistan's top decision-making forum on matters of national security and foreign policy, comprising senior civilian and military leadership.
Hashtags

Try Our AI Features
Explore what Daily8 AI can do for you:
Comments
No comments yet...
Related Articles


Express Tribune
37 minutes ago
- Express Tribune
PIA suspends flights to four Gulf countries amid rising regional conflict
Listen to article Pakistan International Airlines (PIA) has suspended its flight operations to Qatar, Bahrain, Kuwait, and Dubai due to escalating security concerns in the Gulf region. The development comes after Iran carried out a 'devastating and powerful' missile attack on US airbases in Qatar and Iraq in retaliation for US strikes on its nuclear sites. According to PIA spokesperson, the decision was made in light of the 'war-like situation' unfolding in several Gulf states. PIA assured that operations would resume once conditions return to normal. In view emerging situation in the Gulf region, #PIA is temporarily suspending its flights to #Doha, #Kuwait, #Bahrain and #Dubai. All pax are requested to kindly contact our Call Centre at 021-111-786-786 for updated flight info / rebooking on alternate flights. — PIA (@Official_PIA) June 23, 2025 'In view of the regional conflict, we have cancelled flights to affected destinations for the safety of our passengers,' a PIA spokesperson said on Monday. 'We apologise for the inconvenience, but the safety of our passengers takes precedence over all other matters.' PIA's reservations department has begun accommodating affected passengers on alternative flights, the airline said. The airline also requested all affected travellers to stay in contact with the PIA call centre for timely updates and travel rescheduling. Meanwhile, Pakistan embassy advised citizens in the UAE to remain in safe locations and avoid areas near military installations. 'In light of regional developments, Pakistani citizens are strongly urged to stay away from military zones and seek shelter in safe areas,' statement said. Also Read: Explosions rock Doha as Iran launches missiles toward US bases The Iran–Israel conflict escalated further as Tehran, in retaliation for US strikes on its nuclear facilities, launched missile attacks on US bases in Qatar, Iraq, and Bahrain. Iran's top security body issued a statement saying it has used the same number of bombs that the US used when striking Iranian nuclear facilities, according to Reuters. No US personnel were killed or injured in Iran's attack on Al Udeid Air Base, the largest US military installation in the Middle East, two US officials told Reuters. The officials, speaking on condition of anonymity, said the attack was carried out using short-range and medium-range ballistic missiles.


Business Recorder
an hour ago
- Business Recorder
Iran fires missiles at US airbase in Qatar, Doha says attack intercepted, no casualties
DOHA: Iran's military said it carried out a missile attack on the Al Udeid U.S. airbase in Qatar on Monday after explosions were heard across the Qatari capital following Tehran's threat to retaliate for U.S. airstrikes on its nuclear sites. The Iranian military said the attack was 'devastating and powerful' but U.S. officials said no U.S. personnel were killed or injured in the attack on the airbase, the largest U.S. military installation in the Middle East. Iran, which had been warned by Washington not to retaliate or face massive U.S. military action, had informed the U.S. via two diplomatic channels hours ahead of the attack, as well as Qatari authorities, a senior regional source told Reuters. Qatar's defence minister told Al Jazeera its air defences had intercepted missiles directed at the Al Udeid air base, the largest U.S. military installation in the Middle East. Iran had issued threats to retaliate against the United States after U.S. bombers dropped 30,000-pound bunker-busters on Iranian underground nuclear facilities at the weekend, joining Israel's air war against Tehran, and President Donald Trump mooted the possibility of the Iranian government being toppled. The attack came shortly after a Western diplomat told Reuters there had been a credible threat to a U.S. military base in the Gulf state following the unprecedented U.S. airstrikes on Iran's uranium enrichment programme. Trump 'still interested' in Iran diplomacy: White House A source familiar with the matter told Reuters that Qatar, situated just across the Gulf from Iran, had shut its airspace after receiving the advance warning from Iran. Bahrain, another U.S.-allied Gulf Arab state just to the north of Qatar, said it had also shut its airspace after the Iranian strike against the Al Udeid base. In addition, the U.S. Ain al-Asad air base in Iraq had activated its air defence system out of concern for a potential attack, military sources said. The main U.S. military base in Iraq's western neighbour Syria was also on full alert for possible attack by Iran or groups, a Syrian security source said. Qatar, a small, wealthy Gulf Arab state, had earlier announced it had closed its airspace temporarily to ensure the safety of residents and visitors. That followed an advisory from the U.S. embassy in Qatar to Americans to shelter in place, out of what it said was 'an abundance of caution'. Two U.S. officials said Washington had assessed that Iran could carry out attacks targeting American forces in the Middle East soon, although the U.S. was still seeking a diplomatic resolution that would see Tehran forgo any reprisal. Earlier on Monday, Israel bombed a political prison in Tehran, in a renewed demonstration of its willingness to strike not only beyond military and nuclear targets but key pillars of Iran's ruling system. Despite Iran's threats to challenge oil shipments from the Gulf, oil prices fell 4% in volatile trading, suggesting traders doubted the Islamic Republic would follow through on any action that would disrupt global supplies. Iranian Foreign Minister Abbas Araqchi met Russian President Vladimir Putin in Moscow as Tehran sought backing from one of its last major power friends for its next steps. 'Viva la libertad' Israel made clear that its strikes on Evin prison and other targets in Tehran were intended to hit the Iranian ruling apparatus broadly, and its ability to sustain power. 'Viva la libertad!' Foreign Minister Gideon Saar wrote on X, accompanying a video of an explosion at a building with a sign identifying it as an entrance to Evin prison. Reuters could not immediately verify the video posted by Saar, although other videos showing the aftermath of the strike on the prison were verified as genuine. Iran issues warning to 'gambler' Trump: 'We will end this war' Iran's IRIB state broadcaster released video showing rescue workers combing the flattened wreckage of a building at the prison, carrying a wounded man on a stretcher. The Mizan news outlet of Iran's judiciary said urgent action was being taken to protect the health and safety of inmates there. Evin has long been Iran's primary prison for housing political detainees and security prisoners, as well as the site of executions that remain strong memories for the opposition. Several high-profile foreign prisoners are also held there. Israel's military said it had also struck Revolutionary Guard command centres responsible for internal security in the Tehran area. The military was 'currently striking, with unprecedented force, regime targets and governmental repression bodies in the heart of Tehran,' Defence Minister Israel Katz said in a statement. Much of Tehran's population of 10 million has fled after 10 days of bombing. Tasnim news agency reported a strike at an electricity feeder station in the Evin neighbourhood. Power company Tavanir reported some areas in the capital saw electricity cuts. Limited options Since Trump joined Israel's campaign by dropping massive bunker-buster bombs on Iranian nuclear production sites on Sunday morning, Iran has repeatedly threatened to retaliate. 'Mr Trump, the gambler, you may start this war, but we will be the ones to end it,' Ebrahim Zolfaqari, spokesperson for Iran's Khatam al-Anbiya central military headquarters, said on Monday in a recorded, English-language video statement. The Trump administration maintains that its aim is solely to destroy Iran's nuclear programme, not to open a wider war. But in a social media post on Sunday, Trump spoke of toppling the hardline clerical rulers who have been Washington's principal foes in the Middle East since Iran's 1979 Islamic Revolution. Five insiders with knowledge of the discussions said efforts had been ramped up to anoint a successor for Iran's 86-year-old supreme leader, Ayatollah Ali Khamenei. His son Mojtaba, 56, and Hassan Khomeini, 53, grandson of the revolution's founder Ayatollah Ruhollah Khomeini, are now seen as the frontrunners, they said.


Express Tribune
an hour ago
- Express Tribune
Pakistan issues safety advisory for citizens in UAE over Iran strikes
Listen to article The Pakistan embassy in the United Arab Emirates has issued a safety advisory for its nationals following Iranian missile attacks on US military bases in Qatar and Iraq. In a statement issued on Monday, the embassy advised Pakistani citizens in the UAE to remain in safe locations and avoid areas near military installations. 'In light of regional developments, Pakistani citizens are strongly urged to stay away from military zones and seek shelter in safe areas,' statement added. Read More: Explosions rock Doha as Iran launches missiles toward US bases The advisory comes after Iran fired ballistic missiles at US military bases in Qatar and Iraq in retaliation for US strikes on Tehran's nuclear sites. Iran launched six missiles toward US bases in Qatar Monday evening, following an earlier report that Tehran was preparing to do so. Iran's top security body issued a statement saying it has used the same number of bombs that the US used when striking Iranian nuclear facilities. Several explosions were heard over the Qatari capital, Doha, a Reuters witness said, following Tehran's threats to retaliate against US strikes on Iranian nuclear sites.