Pakistan abstains on the UN Hormuz resolution, urges restraint and sustained diplomatic dialogue

Article by Viory

Pakistan abstained from a UN Security Council draft resolution on the Strait of Hormuz on Tuesday, with its representative Asim Iftikhar Ahmad calling for restraint and diplomatic engagement at a ‘critical juncture’.

“We continue to believe that time and space must be allowed for ongoing diplomatic efforts to facilitate a return to dialogue and engagement,” he stated during the meeting in New York City, adding, “At this critical juncture, restraint, diplomacy, and dialogue must prevail.”

The representative said Pakistan had previously supported Resolution 2817, proposed by Bahrain on behalf of the Gulf Cooperation Council, and maintained it should be implemented ‘in letter and spirit’, although ongoing diplomatic efforts required room to develop.

“We would continue seeking a durable diplomatic solution of the prevailing situation. […] Pakistan has been actively engaged in diplomatic efforts towards that end in concert with its partners in the region and beyond,” he remarked.

The resolution received 11 votes in favour but was vetoed by China and Russia, with Pakistan and Colombia abstaining.

Shortly before the US president’s self-imposed deadline to strike Iranian infrastructure, he announced a two-week suspension of military operations, citing a ceasefire contingent on the full reopening of the Strait of Hormuz. Iran submitted a 10-point proposal, which Trump described as “a workable basis on which to negotiate.”

Tensions have escalated in the Middle East following joint US-Israeli military operations against Iran on February 28, at a time when diplomatic talks aimed at ‘curbing Iran’s nuclear and missile programmes’ were underway. Tehran responded with retaliatory strikes on Israeli and US assets in the region, accompanied by reports of explosions in several Gulf countries.

Iran later confirmed the death of Supreme Leader Ali Khamenei, with his son Mojtaba Khamenei named as his successor. The conflict spilt over into Lebanon as Hezbollah intervened ‘in revenge’ for the killing of the Iranian Supreme Leader. Shipping routes, including the Strait of Hormuz, became hazardous following its closure.

Article by Viory