By Afshain Afzal

US attacked three Iranian nuclear facilities on 22 June 2025, after labeling allegations that Tehran is denying signing a Zero-enrichment Nuclear Agreement with the US. Interestingly, Washington carried out attack at the time when direct negotiations with the Iranian authorities were in progress for the second day, which President Donald Trump also confirmed. Washington cannot claim that talks were a failure. The issue to ponder is that should we wait for our turn or reformulate policies and strategies, rehearsal them well and include it into a unified course of action for future engagements.

Iran deserves full moral and diplomatic support and all act of aggression should be condemned while door to negotiation should always remain open. I recall that I was part of series of brain storming secessions with National Security Advisor at Prime Minister’s Office, where we decided our way forward for permanent solution of Jammu and Kashmir and waiting for any new misadventure by India on line of their attack inside Pakistan at Balakot, Abbottabad in 2019. The moment came when India violated Article 5 of the 1907 Hague Convention (IX) as well as Simla Agreement and attacked holy Mosques at Muridke, Bahawalpur, Kotli, and Muzaffarabad along with five other sites in Azad Jammu and Kashmir on 7 May 2025, but Pakistan Army, on President Trump’s assurance of trade between Pakistan and India and with the US, decided permanent ceasefire without avenging the deaths of hundreds of Pakistan during Indian attacks.

With focus on the charters of the United Nations Organization and Organization of Islamic Conference all members must come under a single umbrella to become part of joint strategy for resolution of their pending issues and disputes. The “Organization” as mother forum must maintain record of all bilateral, multilateral and international treaties and agreements signed in preview of International Law, and also those on the table for joint consideration and response thereupon. Other than members of Organization of Islamic Conference, the membership should be open to all nations as Observers so that beside Islamic unity, support the common interests of the peoples of the world, promotion of international peace and security, and encourage the settlement of international disputes by peaceful means.