ISLAMABAD: Experts on Friday urged Pakistan and neighbouring countries to pursue a measured and strategic diplomatic response, warning that the intensifying Iran-Israel conflict could destabilise the broader Middle East and undermine global security structures.

Speaking at an in-house discussion hosted by the Centre for International Strategic Studies (CISS) in Islamabad, analysts and scholars from Pakistan and abroad condemned Israel’s attack on Iran as a violation of international law and warned that continued hostilities could trigger a broader regional conflict with severe consequences for international peace and stability, according to a media statement issued by the think tank.

CISS Executive Director Ambassador Ali Sarwar Naqvi described the Israeli operation as an “unprovoked” and “unprecedented aerial assault”. He said the offensive followed years of Israeli actions in Gaza and saw it as a turning point in the broader Middle East conflict.

“The global community now awaits the US decision, which could dramatically alter the course of events,” the speaker said, warning that a US military involvement with Israel would be disastrous and a major setback to the cause of peace.

Despite the hardships and prolonged curbs, Iran’s resilience, shaped by its history of enduring conflicts like the Iran-Iraq War, has left it better prepared for the current conflict, while the Israeli population, unaccustomed to direct external attacks, is facing fear, panic and psychological distress, he noted.

The panelists included Dr Nazir Hussain of the Regional Centre for Strategic Studies (Sri Lanka), Ludovica Castelli of Italy’s Istituto Affari Internazionali, Shams-Uz-Zaman from the Arms Control and Disarmament Affairs Branch of the Strategic Plans Division, and Junaid Jahandad of the National Defence University in Islamabad.

Dr Hussain emphasised the potential implications of regime change or strategic instability in Iran for neighbouring countries, particularly Pakistan. Pakistan’s approach to the conflict, he opined, should be proactive and balanced with a focus on vigilance, strengthened security and active diplomatic engagement in response to the Iran-Israel crisis.

Shams-Uz-Zaman detailed the technological and intelligence dimensions of Israel’s operation, noting the use of cyberattacks, drone infiltration and sophisticated surveillance networks. He warned that Iran’s critical infrastructure remains vulnerable to future hybrid threats unless stronger cyber defenses are implemented.

Ms Castelli criticised the erosion of global non-proliferation norms, arguing that attacks on peaceful nuclear programmes undermine the legitimacy of the Nuclear Non-Proliferation Treaty (NPT).

Although powerful states profess commitment to the Nuclear Non-Proliferation Treaty (NPT) and the oversight of the IAEA, their actions often bypass these frameworks, weakening their credibility and encouraging secrecy among other countries, she maintained.

Targeting states for legally permitted enrichment activities undermine the NPT’s core principle of equal access to peaceful nuclear technology and contributing to a fragile, inconsistent global non-proliferation system, she said via video link.

Mr Jahandad highlighted how great power politics, particularly Russia’s preoccupation with Ukraine, have emboldened Israel to take aggressive action without fear of a pushback.

He cautioned against viewing military power as a viable path to lasting political outcomes.

CISS Director of Research Dr Bilal Zubair echoed the panel’s consensus, urging Pakistan to closely monitor regional developments, strengthen its internal resilience, and pursue sustained diplomatic engagement.

Published in Dawn, June 21st, 2025