Pakistan has categorically dismissed claims by a senior Iranian Revolutionary Guard Corps (IRGC) commander that the two nations had agreed to a nuclear pact to counter Israel amid the ongoing Israel-Iran conflict. The assertion, made by IRGC Aerospace Force Commander Amir Ali Hajizadeh on Monday, suggested Pakistan would support Iran with nuclear capabilities in response to Israel’s “Operation Rising Lion,” which targeted Iran’s military and nuclear sites. Pakistan’s swift rebuttal underscores its intent to maintain neutrality in the escalating West Asian crisis.
Defence Minister Khawaja Asif, addressing the claim on X, stated, “Pakistan has made no such commitment. Our nuclear capability is solely for the defence of our people, not for advancing hegemonic policies.” Asif also criticized Israel’s undeclared nuclear arsenal, warning of its “catastrophic consequences for the region.” The Foreign Office echoed this stance, emphasizing Pakistan’s policy of non-interference and calling for de-escalation to prevent further destabilization.
The controversy arises as Iran faces intensified Israeli strikes, with Tehran retaliating through “Operation True Promise 3,” involving missile and drone attacks. Iran’s claim of a nuclear pact with Pakistan appears to be an attempt to project strength amid domestic pressure and significant casualties—224 reported deaths in Iran compared to 24 in Israel. However, analysts suggest the statement may also reflect Iran’s frustration with Pakistan’s cautious diplomacy, as Islamabad balances ties with Iran, Saudi Arabia, and Western powers.
Pakistan’s nuclear arsenal, estimated at 170 warheads, is a cornerstone of its defence policy, primarily aimed at deterring India. Experts, including Michael Kugelman of the Wilson Center, argue that Pakistan would avoid entanglement in the Israel-Iran conflict due to its economic dependence on Gulf states like Saudi Arabia, a key rival of Iran. “Pakistan’s nuclear program is for strategic deterrence, not for lending to others,” Kugelman noted.
The rejection comes amid Pakistan’s closure of border crossings with Iran, including Taftan and Gabd-Rimdan, due to security concerns. The Foreign Office has activated a Crisis Management Unit to evacuate Pakistani nationals, including 450 pilgrims and 200 students, from Iran and Iraq. While expressing “moral and diplomatic solidarity” with Iran, Pakistan has urged all parties to pursue dialogue to avert a broader conflict that could disrupt regional trade and energy supplies, particularly through the Strait of Hormuz.
As tensions persist, Pakistan’s firm denial of Iran’s claim reinforces its commitment to strategic autonomy, even as it navigates the complex geopolitics of a volatile region.
