UPDATE - Pakistan strongly condemns Israeli attacks on Iran

UPDATE WITH PRIME MINISTER'SASTATEMENT

By Islamuddin Sajid

ISLAMABAD (AA) - Pakistan on Saturday strongly condemned Israel’s overnight airstrikes on Iran, calling them a grave violation of the UN Charter and international law.

In a statement, the Foreign Ministry said Israeli military strikes breach the sovereignty and territorial integrity of Iran, undermine efforts for regional peace and stability, and also constitute a dangerous escalation in an already volatile region.

"Israel bears full responsibility for the current cycle of escalation and expansion of the conflict," it said.

Islamabad called on the UN Security council to play its role for international peace and security and to take immediate steps to bring an end to Israeli "recklessness" in the region and its criminal behavior.

"The international community must also play its role for restoring regional peace and security," Islamabad urged.

Separately, Prime Minister Shehbaz Sharif said he was deeply worried by Israeli "aggression" against Iran, as such action not only threatens regional peace and stability but also violates principles of sovereignty and international law

"While strongly condemning this action, Pakistan stands with Iran and its other neighbors in pursuit of peace and urges all parties to act with restraint to avoid further escalation," he said on X.

Israel announced early Saturday that its military had carried out "precise strikes" on “military targets” in Iran, as explosions were heard in the capital Tehran.

Israeli army radio said dozens of Israeli aircraft had launched attacks on the capital Tehran, Meshed, and a power station in Karaj.

Later, the military announced that it had completed targeted airstrikes on Iranian military facilities.

The strikes were in response to Oct. 1 missile attacks by Tehran on Israel.