The United States and Israel launched a wave of coordinated strikes on Iran on Saturday, triggering explosions in Tehran and sharply escalating tensions across the Middle East, with political leaders and analysts in Pakistan warning of serious regional consequences.
Pakistan Voices Strong Reaction as US–Israel Strikes on Iran Escalate Regional Tensions
US President Donald Trump said the attacks were aimed at crippling Iran’s military capabilities, vowing to destroy its missile infrastructure and naval power. Israeli Prime Minister Benjamin Netanyahu described the operation as an effort to eliminate what he called an existential threat posed by Iran and urged Iranians to rise against the country’s clerical leadership.
In response, Iran’s Islamic Revolutionary Guard Corps confirmed launching the “first wave” of missile and drone attacks targeting Israel, marking a dangerous expansion of hostilities.
Political figures in Pakistan strongly condemned the developments. Pakistan Peoples Party Chairman Bilawal Bhutto Zardari termed the Israeli strike a serious threat to regional peace, calling it an attempt to divert attention from the situation in Gaza. He urged the United Nations and the Organisation of Islamic Cooperation to take immediate steps to halt what he described as aggression and violations of sovereignty.
Former ambassador Maleeha Lodhi called on Pakistan to condemn the attacks without delay and expressed solidarity with Iran. Former senator Mushahid Hussain Sayed warned that the conflict could reshape regional geopolitics and create significant security challenges for Pakistan.
Analysts and commentators also raised concerns. Journalist Zahid Hussain warned that the escalation could have far-reaching consequences for Pakistan and the wider region, while human rights lawyer Reema Omer argued that so-called preemptive strikes lacked legal justification under international law.
Religious and political leaders echoed similar criticism. Siraj ul Haq described the attack as “state terrorism,” urging Muslim countries to adopt a united response. Former human rights minister Shireen Mazari questioned the timing of the strikes, suggesting diplomacy had been undermined.
Opposition figures and activists also warned of wider instability. Fatima Bhutto cautioned that the conflict could expand further, while former federal minister Khawaja Saad Rafique said the attacks violated Iran’s sovereign right to determine its security policies.
As tensions continue to rise, observers fear the confrontation could trigger broader instability across the Middle East and beyond, with growing calls for diplomatic intervention to prevent further escalation.
