DPM Dar condemns 'blatant' Israeli aggression in phone call with Iranian FM

• DPM expresses solidarity with Iran in phone call to Iranian FM.
• FM conveys "heartfelt sorrow" over loss of lives in Israeli attacks.
• Dar vows full support for Iran efforts toward regional peace, stability.
  

Deputy Prime Minister and Foreign Minister Senator Ishaq Dar has strongly condemned Israeli aggression against Iran, expressing full solidarity with the government and people in the neighbouring country.

The foreign minister conveyed Pakistan's concerns and condolences during a telephone conversation with his Iranian counterpart, Abbas Araqchi.

According to the Foreign Office, Dar vehemently condemned the Israeli aggression, highlighting it as a violation of the United Nations Charter and international laws. He also expressed "heartfelt sorrow over the loss of lives" in the attacks.

The condemnation comes after what began as a targeted Israeli bombing raid against Iran's senior military leadership and top nuclear scientists that quickly spiralled into a full-blown conflict, with both sides exchanging significant blows and the future of regional stability hanging in the balance.

Israeli attacks late on Thursday killed 20 senior military commanders, including Iran's Chief of Staff of the Armed Forces, General Mohammad Baqeri, Chief of the Revolutionary Guards, Major General Hossein Salami, and Head of Aerospace, Amir Ali Hajizadeh in the opening hours. Five nuclear scientists were also killed.

The Israeli strikes targeted Iran's ballistic missile system and nuclear facilities, causing 78 fatalities and injuring over 300 individuals.

Iranian air defences also suffered a massive hit while Israel reportedly incurred minimal losses and faced no immediate major retaliation in the initial phase.

However, the situation dramatically shifted later on Friday night, when Iran launched a barrage of missiles across Israel. This counterattack reportedly overwhelmed Israel's Iron Dome defences.

Dar reiterated Pakistan's full support for Iran's efforts towards regional peace and stability and affirmed its complete solidarity with the government and people of Iran in the wake of the strikes, according to the Foreign Office.

Earlier on Friday, Dar took to his social media and strongly condemned the "unjustified" Israeli attacks on Iran, calling it a brazen violation of Iran's sovereignty.

In a statement on X, the DPM said that this abhorrent action had shaken the foundations of international law as well as the conscience of humanity.

Besides, the Israeli strikes also gravely undermined regional stability and international security, he added.