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Arab News
12 hours ago
- Politics
- Arab News
Pakistan won't turn blind eye to allies' wrongdoing, says deputy PM on US strikes in Iran
ISLAMABAD: Pakistan's Deputy Prime Minister Ishaq Dar said on Friday his country did not turn a blind eye to US airstrikes on Iranian nuclear facilities earlier this month, adding that close relations with a country do not justify silence in the face of wrongdoing. The statement came during a news briefing in the federal capital, where Dar spoke to the media about Pakistan's recent diplomatic engagements, including his participation in the Organization of Islamic Cooperation (OIC) meeting in Istanbul and the Pakistan-United Arab Emirates Joint Ministerial Commission. Despite a recent revival in bilateral ties with Washington, Pakistan formally condemned the US strikes in a statement, calling them a violation of international law and affirming Iran's right to self-defense under the UN Charter. 'Just because relations are good with a country doesn't mean you should consider something wrong to be right,' he told the media. 'As you witnessed, we didn't hesitate or delay,' he continued. 'I spoke with the foreign secretary, gave a task to the spokesperson and we exchanged draft statements. It's now a part of the historic record: we criticized the attack, and we did it on record.' Dar's remarks came in the wake of a 12-day conflict between Iran and Israel that erupted after Israeli strikes targeted Iranian nuclear and military sites, prompting retaliation from Tehran. The war began while the administration in Tehran was holding nuclear negotiations with the US that later joined the fray, launching its own strikes on three Iranian nuclear facilities. While Washington said the attacks had set back Iran's nuclear program by years, there was international concern over a wider regional war. Dar said he had been personally involved in formulating the country's response as Islamabad prepared its official statement. Pakistan, currently a member of the United Nations Security Council (UNSC), also raised the issue at the world body in New York.
Express Tribune
16 hours ago
- Politics
- Express Tribune
Strong ties with US don't mean blind support for unjust policies, says Ishaq Dar
FM Ishaq Dar in meeting to review ongoing evacuation of Pakistani nationals/zaireen presently stranded in Iran & Iraq on June 18. Photo: Strong ties with the United States will not mean unconditional support for its policies, especially when they are unjust, said Deputy Prime Minister and Foreign Minister Ishaq Dar on Friday. Briefing the press in Islamabad, the deputy PM emphasised that Pakistan was aware that Iran would not remain passive after the US bombed three of its nuclear facilities. Dar was speaking in reference to the Organisation of Islamic Cooperation (OIC) meeting, where the 12-day Iran-Israel war was a primary topic of discussion. He highlighted Pakistan's efforts to ensure that a special session on Iran was held, which was agreed upon by the foreign ministers of OIC member states. Dar also noted that Pakistan had been in constant communication with Iranian officials, including discussions between Prime Minister Shehbaz Sharif and the Iranian leadership. During the briefing, Dar explained that Iran had praised Pakistan's diplomatic efforts in both the United Nations Security Council and their parliament. He shared details of an important meeting in Istanbul, which took place during a visit by Pakistan's Chief of Army Staff Field Marshal Asim Munir, which was attended by President Recep Tayyip Erdoğan, Foreign Minister Mevlüt Çavuşoğlu and other Turkish leaders to address the situation in Iran. Dar said that after the US attack on Iran, Pakistan had been informed by Tehran that while Iran was not developing nuclear weapons, it could not ignore the US attack and would retaliate. Iran's response entailed an attack on a US airbase in Qatar. Dar made it clear that while Pakistan values its relationship with the US, this does not mean aligning with Washington on every issue, especially when it comes to unjust military actions. He reiterated Pakistan's commitment to a peaceful resolution and its efforts to ensure the ceasefire holds.
Newsweek
18 hours ago
- Politics
- Newsweek
Iranian Minister Contradicts Supreme Leader Khamenei on Nuclear Damage
Based on facts, either observed and verified firsthand by the reporter, or reported and verified from knowledgeable sources. Newsweek AI is in beta. Translations may contain inaccuracies—please refer to the original content. Iran's Foreign Minister Abbas Araghchi has publicly stated that recent U.S. and Israeli airstrikes inflicted serious damage on Iran's nuclear sites, a sharp contrast to the downplaying by Supreme Leader Ali Khamenei and one early U.S. intelligence assessment that was leaked to media. Araghchi said key nuclear facilities suffered significant harm and that Tehran is assessing the extent of the destruction. This admission comes amid escalating tensions and a fragile ceasefire following deadly clashes between Iran and Israel. Newsweek has reached out to the State Department and Iran's foreign ministry for comment. Why It Matters The report of severe damage to Iran's nuclear infrastructure indicates rare discord within Tehran's leadership, revealing competing narratives on the impact of Western military actions. It also bolsters statements by U.S. President Donald Trump's administration of severe damage to the nuclear facilities in the face of the leaked intelligence assessment. Iran foreign minister Abbas Araghchi talks on his mobile phone during the 51st session of the Council of Foreign Ministers of the Organization of Islamic Cooperation (OIC) in Istanbul, on June 21, 2025. Iran foreign minister Abbas Araghchi talks on his mobile phone during the 51st session of the Council of Foreign Ministers of the Organization of Islamic Cooperation (OIC) in Istanbul, on June 21, 2025. Photo by YASIN AKGUL/AFP via Getty Images What to Know Last week, U.S. forces targeted Iran's nuclear facilities at Natanz, Fordow, and Isfahan. While U.S. President Donald Trump said the strikes had "completely obliterated" Iran's nuclear capabilities, one early leaked intelligence assessment said the setbacks might delay Iran's program by months rather than years. The International Atomic Energy Agency (IAEA) confirmed notable damage, particularly at the Fordow site, but warned that full reconstruction could take years. Diverging Views Within Iran Supreme Leader Khamenei publicly dismissed the strikes' effectiveness, asserting they "did not achieve anything" and accused Trump of exaggerating their impact. This position contrasts sharply with Araghchi's admission, signaling a potential rift between the supreme leader and the foreign ministry on how to manage public perception and diplomatic strategy. In an interview on Iranian state TV, Araghchi said that the U.S. strikes inflicted "serious harm" on its nuclear facilities. "This damage has not been minor—serious harm has been done to our facilities," he said, noting that Iran's Atomic Energy Agency is conducting a thorough assessment of the destruction. What People Are Saying Iranian Foreign Minister Abbas Araghchi: "This damage has not been minor — serious harm has been done to our facilities. They are currently conducting a thorough assessment of the damage." Supreme Leader of Iran Ayatollah Ali Khamenei: "The strikes did not achieve anything. Claims about their success are exaggerated." U.S. President Donald Trump: "Iran's key nuclear enrichment facilities have been completely and totally obliterated." What Happens Next Iran's apparently contradictory messaging on the nuclear site damages reflects internal power dynamics and may influence its diplomatic engagement with the West and regional players. As Tehran resists international inspections, tensions are likely to persist, complicating efforts to revive nuclear agreements and maintain regional stability. The international community will closely monitor Iran's reconstruction efforts and its nuclear activities amid these developments.
Al-Ahram Weekly
20 hours ago
- Politics
- Al-Ahram Weekly
Good neighbours - Egypt - Al-Ahram Weekly
Addressing the 51st session of the Council of Foreign Ministers of the Organisation of Islamic Cooperation (OIC), on 21 June, Turkish President Recep Tayyip Erdoğan had warned of the danger of the conflict between Israel and Iran. 'Our region cannot afford more war and instability,' he said. Instead of choosing to live side-by-side in peace with a sovereign and independent state within the 1967 borders, Israel has unfortunately chosen to engulf the entire region in war. 'It is obvious that these aggressive acts, which violate international law, serve the strategic destabilisation policy that Israel is pursuing in the region… Those who assume they can establish their security by drowning the region in fire, conflict, chaos and tears are dreaming. Israel cannot ensure its security by threatening the security of its neighbours.' The Turkish president simultaneously stressed Iran's right to defend itself. 'The measures Iran has been taking in the face of Israel's state terror are totally natural, legitimate and legal… We have no doubt that the Iranian people, with their thousands of years of history, their resilience against challenges, and their strong statecraft, will overcome these difficult days.' Ankara condemned the unprovoked Israeli war on Iran from the outset, describing it as a 'blatant provocation' in violation of international law. 'The international community must put an end to Israel's banditry, which threatens global and regional stability,' Erdoğan tweeted on X on 13 June. Although the Turkish Defence Ministry denied reports that Israeli warplanes violated Turkish airspace on the first day of the war, it nevertheless issued a stern warning against any encroachments. Turkey had ramped up its air defence systems and was prepared for all possible scenarios, Turkish Defence Ministry officials said. Ankara had offered to mediate between Tehran and Washington, in the hope that the latter will pressure Israel to cease its aggression. Tel Aviv rejected a Turkish diplomatic intervention, ostensibly because Ankara took a stance in support of Tehran. In fact, President Erdoğan went further, expressing his long-standing aversion to the Israeli leadership. 'Netanyahu has long since surpassed the tyrant Hitler in the crime of genocide,' he said in a Justice and Development Party (AKP) group meeting last week. Israeli Foreign Minister Gideon Sa'ar lashed out against Erdoğan in response. 'Erdoğan, who holds the record for suppressing freedoms and citizens' rights, as well as for oppressing the opposition in his own country, dares to preach to others,' he fumed on X. Earlier that day, in a conversation with the Emir of Qatar Tamim bin Hamad Al Thani, on events in the Middle East, Erdoğan described Netanyahu as 'the greatest threat to the region's security.' Rhetoric aside, Turkey was keen to de-escalate the conflict for fear of the devastating repercussions a protracted wider conflict would have on Turkish national interests. Turkey has an approximately 530 km long border with Iran and it is aware that Israel-US designs to instigate regime change or, worse, long-term civil strife and instability in Iran would spill over into Turkey, as was the case with Syria. Iran, like Iraq and Syria, has large, predominantly Kurdish regions located in the north, adjacent to both Iraq and Turkey. Ankara feared a breakdown in the central Iranian state would open up opportunities for Iranian Kurdish nationalist movements to push for independence or at least autonomy, as the Kurdish regions in Iraq and northeastern Syria have done. This in turn might have inspired transnational aspirations among Turkey's large Kurdish community in southeastern Anatolia. Turkey also feared another refugee crisis. Upheaval in Iran could have driven thousands of Iranians to attempt to cross into Turkey, a prospect heightened by Netanyahu's call to Iranians – echoed by Trump – to evacuate Tehran. Already there have been unconfirmed reports of hundreds of Iranians trying to enter Turkey through the Kapıköy-Razi and the Gürbulak-Bazargan crossings. Other reports indicate a surge in the demand for the Turkish lira. Another wave of refugees could be politically explosive for the Erdoğan government, given the deep sensitivities surrounding Syrian refugees, a hot button issue that has been associated with declining popularity ratings of both the AKP and Erdoğan. Israeli-US engineered anarchy in Iran would also impact Iranian natural gas exports to Turkey. Iran is one of Turkey's most important energy suppliers, meeting about 17.1 per cent of Turkey's energy needs. Under a long-term supply agreement set to expire in July 2026, Iran pumps an average of 9.6 billion cubic metres of gas a year into Turkey. However, the Israeli strike against the South Pars gas field and other Iranian petroleum infrastructure has led to Turkish concerns over its energy security. Such fears were aggravated by the possibility that Iran could block the strategic Strait of Hormuz, wreaking havoc in global energy supply chains and causing worldwide energy costs and skyrocketing inflation. The Turkish economy would additionally suffer a drop in tourism. Over 463,800 Iranian tourists visited Turkey in January and February 2025, according to the Turkish Ministry of Culture and Tourism, unseating Russians as the country's top visitors in those months. A prolonged conflict and its potential impacts on international stability and the global economy could severely impact tourism to Turkey, in general, a vital source of national revenue. Alluding to the secret pact between the British and French colonial powers during World War I to divvy up the Middle East, Erdoğan told the OIC Foreign Ministers Council, 'Turkey will never allow the establishment of a new Sykes–Picot order whose borders will be drawn with blood in our region.' * A version of this article appears in print in the 26 June, 2025 edition of Al-Ahram Weekly Follow us on: Facebook Instagram Whatsapp Short link:
See - Sada Elbalad
2 days ago
- Business
- See - Sada Elbalad
Pakistan, Mali, and Suriname Sign Statute of OIC Labour Centre, Bringing Total Signatories to 24
Mohamed Mandour The Islamic Republic of Pakistan, the Republic of Mali, and the Republic of Suriname have officially signed the Statute of the OIC Labour Centre, raising the number of signatory states to 24, the Organization of Islamic Cooperation (OIC) announced today . The signing took place on the sidelines of the 51st Session of the Council of Foreign Ministers (CFM) of the OIC, held in Istanbul, Republic of Türkiye. According to the OIC, six of the 24 signatory member states have so far completed the ratification process for the Statute. The Labour Centre aims to strengthen cooperation among member states in the fields of labor, employment, workforce development, and social protection. The 51st CFM session called on the remaining OIC Member States to swiftly accede to the Statute and urged current signatories to complete the ratification process without delay to expedite the establishment and functioning of the Centre. The OIC Labour Centre is envisioned as a key institutional mechanism to promote employment, labor rights, and inclusive economic growth across the Islamic world. read more Gold prices rise, 21 Karat at EGP 3685 NATO's Role in Israeli-Palestinian Conflict US Expresses 'Strong Opposition' to New Turkish Military Operation in Syria Shoukry Meets Director-General of FAO Lavrov: confrontation bet. nuclear powers must be avoided News Iran Summons French Ambassador over Foreign Minister Remarks News Aboul Gheit Condemns Israeli Escalation in West Bank News Greek PM: Athens Plays Key Role in Improving Energy Security in Region News One Person Injured in Explosion at Ukrainian Embassy in Madrid News China Launches Largest Ever Aircraft Carrier Sports Former Al Zamalek Player Ibrahim Shika Passes away after Long Battle with Cancer Videos & Features Tragedy Overshadows MC Alger Championship Celebration: One Fan Dead, 11 Injured After Stadium Fall Lifestyle Get to Know 2025 Eid Al Adha Prayer Times in Egypt Business Fear & Greed Index Plummets to Lowest Level Ever Recorded amid Global Trade War Arts & Culture Zahi Hawass: Claims of Columns Beneath the Pyramid of Khafre Are Lies News Flights suspended at Port Sudan Airport after Drone Attacks Videos & Features Video: Trending Lifestyle TikToker Valeria Márquez Shot Dead during Live Stream News Shell Unveils Cost-Cutting, LNG Growth Plan Technology 50-Year Soviet Spacecraft 'Kosmos 482' Crashes into Indian Ocean
