Taliban back Iran over Israel attacks, Pakistan calls for restraint

Pakistan expressed "deep concern" over the developments in the Middle East, after Israel intercepted suicide drones and missiles launched by Iran into its territory.

"It is now critically urgent to stabilise the situation and restore peace. We call on parties to exercise utmost restraint and move towards de-escalation."

The Taliban, meanwhile, backed Iran's "legitimate right to self-defence" after the Israeli strike on its consulate in Syria.

"The zionist regime, in continuation of their crimes and in contravention of all diplomatic norms and international laws, targeted the Consulate of the Islamic Republic of Iran in the Syrian Capital, Damascus," the Taliban wrote in a post on X.

"The Islamic Republic of Iran exercised its legitimate right to self-defense last night," it added.

The statement also condemned "the genocide of over thirty-three thousand civilians in Gaza" and called on global powers "to expedite their efforts... to prevent further escalation of the crisis."

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