Pakistan told the UN Security Council on Thursday that a breakdown of diplomacy in the Middle East has further complicated the Iranian nuclear issue, a concern echoed by UN Secretary-General António Guterres who warned the escalating crisis is a “grave threat to international peace and security.”
Speaking at a council briefing on the 1737 Committee, which monitors sanctions related to Iran’s nuclear programme, Pakistan’s Permanent Representative, Asim Iftikhar Ahmad, highlighted deep internal divisions hampering the council's work. "The Council remains divided on the 1737 Committee issue," Ambassador Ahmad stated, adding that this disagreement is delaying the appointment of committee chairs and "significantly hindering their work."
The 1737 Committee's effective operation is critical to international non-proliferation efforts, and the paralysis described by Ambassador Ahmad points to a wider geopolitical stalemate on how to engage with Tehran. This internal friction comes as Secretary-General Guterres has called for “serious diplomatic negotiations,” cautioning the situation could “spiral beyond anyone’s control.” Ambassador Ahmad's remarks focused on this procedural gridlock, suggesting that disputes among major powers are weakening the international community's ability to address the complex geopolitical challenge. He stressed that these internal disagreements “must not be allowed” to obstruct the council's essential functions, especially at a time of heightened regional tension.
Mohsin Rana
