Pakistan has condemned US President Donald Trump's military strikes against Iranian nuclear sites, delivering harsh criticism less than a day after the nation recommended the US leader for a Nobel Peace Prize due to his diplomatic intervention in the Kashmir crisis.
The Associated Press reported that Pakistani Prime Minister Shehbaz Sharif expressed concern during a Sunday phone call with Iranian President Masoud Pezeshkian about the bombardment of facilities under International Atomic Energy Agency safeguards. Pakistan maintains close relationships with Iran and backs its defensive actions against Israel, according to AP.
The dramatic reversal in Pakistan's stance occurred within 24 hours. Saturday night, Pakistani officials on the X platform praised Trump's "decisive diplomatic intervention and pivotal leadership" in defusing tensions between Pakistan and India following a tourist massacre in Indian-controlled Kashmir in April.
Relations between the nuclear-armed South Asian neighbors had deteriorated after the April attack, with both countries launching strikes against each other before intense diplomatic efforts led by the US resulted in a truce that Trump claimed credit for achieving.
However, Pakistan's position shifted dramatically by Sunday, when officials told AP the strikes "constituted a serious violation of international law" and violated the International Atomic Energy Agency's statute. The condemnation highlighted Pakistan's support for Iran's right to self-defense against Israeli attacks.
The criticism followed a significant diplomatic meeting Thursday between Trump and Pakistan's powerful army chief, Asim Munir, at the White House. The session, lasting more than two hours, included Secretary of State Marco Rubio and Steve Witkoff, the US Special Representative for Middle Eastern Affairs.
A Pakistani military statement indicated that detailed discussions took place regarding the "prevailing tensions between Iran and Israel, with both leaders emphasizing the importance of the resolution of the conflict," according to AP.
Pakistan quickly thanked Trump for his intervention in the India crisis, while New Delhi downplayed the American role and stated no external mediation was necessary for the Kashmir dispute, officials told AP.
The Himalayan Kashmir region remains divided between Pakistan and India, with both nations claiming the territory entirely. India accuses Pakistan of supporting armed groups in the region, allegations Pakistan denies.
