Iran and Pakistan call on UN Security Council to take action against Israel

Iran and Pakistan called on the United Nations Security Council, in a joint statement issued on Wednesday (24), to take action against Israel, saying the country “illegally” attacked neighboring countries and foreign diplomatic facilities.

The joint statement, released by Pakistan's Foreign Ministry, followed a three-day visit by Iranian President Ebrahim Raisi to the country at a time of rising tensions in the Middle East.

Explosions were heard last Friday (19) over the Iranian city of Isfahan, in what sources said was an Israeli attack. However, Tehran downplayed the incident and said it had no plans to retaliate.

“Recognizing that the irresponsible act by Israeli regime forces was a major escalation in an already volatile region, both sides called on the UN Security Council to stop the Israeli regime from its adventurism in the region and its illegal acts attacking neighbors…” , Iran and Pakistan said in their joint statement.

Muslim neighbors Iran and Pakistan are trying to mend ties after unprecedented military strikes this year.

Raisi, who ended his visit and flew to Sri Lanka on Wednesday, promised to increase trade between Iran and Pakistan to 10 billion dollars a year.

During his visit to Pakistan, Raisi said, according to the official Iranian news agency IRNA, that any new Israeli attack on Iranian territory could radically change the dynamics and leave nothing left of the “Zionist regime”.

On April 13, Tehran launched missiles and drones at Israel in what it said was retaliation for Israel's alleged attack on the Iranian embassy compound in Damascus on April 1, but almost all were shot down.

Pakistan had previously called for de-escalation by “all parties”.

During Raisi's visit, Iran and Pakistan pledged to boost trade and energy cooperation, including on a major gas pipeline deal that has been delayed due to geopolitical issues and international sanctions.