Pakistan condemns US strikes on Iran after Munir-Trump lunch speculation

New Delhi: Pakistan has finally broken its silence and formally condemned the United States’ airstrikes on Iranian nuclear facilities, following days of mounting regional backlash and rampant speculation over Islamabad’s motives.

The official statement from Pakistan’s Ministry of Foreign Affairs, released on June 22, 2025, denounced the US attacks as a violation of international law and the UN Charter, echoing Iran’s right to self-defense and warning of “severely damaging implications” for the entire region. The statement also called for all parties to respect civilian lives, adhere to international humanitarian law, and resolve the crisis through dialogue and diplomacy.

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"Pakistan condemns the US attacks on Iranian nuclear facilities which follow the series of attacks by Israel. We are gravely concerned at the possible further escalation of tensions in the region… Iran has the legitimate right to defend itself under the UN Charter," the statement read.

This official condemnation comes after a conspicuous and much-criticized period of silence from Islamabad. 

In the interim, Pakistan’s silence, especially following a well-publicised lunch between Chief of Army Staff General Asim Munir and US President Donald Trump, fueled speculation about a possible strategic realignment. 

Observers and commentators across the region questioned whether Pakistan was recalibrating its traditional stance toward Iran under new American overtures—especially after US Central Command Chief General Michael Kurilla praised Pakistan as a “phenomenal partner” just days ago.

With Saudi Arabia and Oman issuing strong statements condemning the US strikes and warning of further instability, Pakistan’s delayed reaction drew scrutiny. The silence was widely interpreted as a possible signal of back-channel diplomacy or a diplomatic hedge as Islamabad balanced its relationship with Tehran and Washington.

However, the official condemnation suggests that Islamabad, despite its complex strategic calculations, could not remain on the sidelines amid intensifying regional and international pressure. The move may be aimed at preserving Pakistan’s longstanding ties with Iran, managing domestic opinion, and reaffirming its commitment to international law, while still keeping communication channels open with Washington.

As the crisis deepens, the spotlight remains on Pakistan’s next moves—whether it continues to walk a diplomatic tightrope or faces new demands from allies and neighbors in a rapidly shifting geopolitical landscape.