Deputy PM Dar supports Iran after Israeli airstrikes kill commanders, sparking retaliatory strikes
Pakistan’s Deputy Prime Minister and Foreign Minister Ishaq Dar spoke with his Iranian counterpart on Friday, as Iran unleashed a fierce retaliatory missile barrage on Israel. The conversation unfolded while air raid sirens blared across Israel and Iranian missiles pounded major cities in one of the most dramatic escalations in the region’s recent history.
Tehran’s strike came after Israel launched a massive offensive earlier this week, targeting Iranian nuclear sites and senior military commanders. At least three high-ranking Iranian officers were reportedly killed. Israeli officials said the unprecedented operation involved 200 fighter jets hitting over 100 locations, marking the most significant assault on Iran since its war with Iraq in the 1980s.
As missiles rained down on Jerusalem and Tel Aviv, plumes of smoke filled the skies. Although no casualties were immediately reported, Israeli authorities ordered citizens nationwide into bomb shelters, bracing for further strikes. The Israeli military warned of “difficult hours ahead” as its air defence systems scrambled to intercept the barrage.
Amid the escalating conflict, Pakistan swiftly expressed solidarity with Iran. In a phone call with Iranian Foreign Minister Seyed Abbas Araghchi, Deputy PM Dar strongly condemned Israel’s attack.
“Condemning the blatant Israeli aggression against the Islamic Republic of Iran in total disregard of the UN Charter and international law, DPM/FM reiterated strong support of Pakistan to the Government and brotherly people of Iran for achieving peace and stability in the region,” Pakistan’s foreign office said in a statement.
Dar also conveyed “deepest sympathies on the loss of many precious lives during Israeli attacks.” Pakistan’s foreign ministry earlier described Israel’s actions as a “brazen violation” of Iranian sovereignty, warning that the escalating violence threatened regional and global security. Citing Article 51 of the UN Charter, Islamabad affirmed Iran’s right to self-defence.
Posting on X, Dar wrote: “Pakistan stands in solidarity with the government and the people of Iran.” He confirmed the foreign ministry had activated a 24/7 Crisis Management Unit to monitor the situation and ensure the safety of Pakistani nationals and pilgrims in Iran.
Prime Minister Shehbaz Sharif echoed Dar’s remarks, urging the international community and the United Nations to take “urgent steps to prevent any further escalation that could imperil regional and global peace.”
The violence has triggered international concern. In Washington, the US distanced itself from Israel’s decision. Secretary of State Marco Rubio said: “Israel took unilateral action against Iran. Our top priority is protecting American forces in the region.”
Saudi Arabia also condemned Israel’s assault. Its foreign ministry called the attacks “heinous” and demanded urgent action from the international community and the UN Security Council to halt the aggression.
The situation prompted widespread disruption to air travel. Airlines swiftly cleared airspace over Israel, Iran, Iraq, and Jordan, rerouting or cancelling flights to ensure passenger safety. Iran closed its airspace completely, while Israel’s Ben Gurion Airport was shut down indefinitely.
Inside Israel, the military called up tens of thousands of reservists, deploying troops across all borders. “We are amidst a historic campaign unlike any other,” said Israeli military Chief of Staff Eyal Zamir. “This is a critical operation to prevent an existential threat, by an enemy who is intent on destroying us.”
The world now watches anxiously as the crisis deepens, with fears that the region teeters on the edge of full-scale war.
