UNITED NATIONS: The United Nations Security Council (UNSC) adopted a Bahrain-sponsored resolution condemning recent missile and drone strikes attributed to Iran against several Gulf states and Jordan, marking a rare moment of consensus, with Pakistan co-sponsoring and voting in favor to underscore its concern over regional instability.
The 15-member council considered two competing drafts during the session.
The first, tabled by Bahrain on behalf of the Gulf Cooperation Council (GCC) and Jordan, explicitly condemned Iran’s actions as “egregious attacks” in violation of international law. It demanded Tehran cease hostilities and refrain from threatening international navigation, including through the Strait of Hormuz. The resolution passed with 13 votes in favour, none against, and abstentions from Russia and China.
Pakistan’s ambassador, explaining the vote, stressed that the country was “not immune from these attacks” and highlighted Islamabad’s support for defending sovereignty and ensuring regional stability.
Diplomats believe Pakistan’s co-sponsorship was seen not only as a mark of solidarity with Gulf partners, but also as a signal that the missile and drone strikes in the Gulf are not just a distant regional issue. Given its geographic proximity, trade routes, and diaspora links, Pakistan sees itself as potentially vulnerable to spillover effects or even direct targeting.
It is pertinent to mention here that Pakistan relies heavily on Gulf trade routes and energy supplies, and any disruption in the Strait of Hormuz or escalation in the Gulf directly impacts Pakistan’s economy and energy security. Pakistan’s stance at the UNSC underscores that instability in the Middle East has tangible consequences for Pakistan
Meanwhile, at the voting session, Russia and China abstained, with Moscow’s envoy Vasily Nebenzya describing the text as “extremely unbalanced” and arguing it failed to address the broader context of the crisis. The United States and the United Kingdom backed the resolution, calling Iran’s actions a threat to global security and navigation.
A second draft, introduced by Russia, sought a more general call for de-escalation without naming Iran, urging all parties to halt hostilities and protect civilians. That resolution failed, securing only four votes in favour, two against, and nine abstentions—well short of the nine affirmative votes required.
