Iran Asserts Pakistan Will Respond with Nuclear Retaliation if Israel Initiates Nuclear Strike
A senior Iranian official has asserted that Pakistan has pledged to launch a nuclear attack on Israel if Tel Aviv deploys nuclear weapons against Iran, sparking fears of a wider conflict in the Middle East. However, this statement has not received any official confirmation from Islamabad.
General Mohsen Rezaei, a prominent figure in Iran’s Islamic Revolutionary Guard Corps (IRGC) and the National Security Council, made this declaration on Iran's state television. He stated, “Pakistan has told us that if Israel uses nuclear missiles, we will also attack it with nuclear weapons.” His comments come amid ongoing tensions between Israel and Iran, marked by Israeli airstrikes on Iranian targets and retaliatory missile attacks from Iran.
This claim has raised alarms throughout the region, especially considering Pakistan's capability to reach Israel with its Shaheen-3 ballistic missile, which boasts a range of up to 2,700 kilometers. While this missile is part of Pakistan's strategic inventory, the country's military has not issued any statements confirming its potential use in the Israel-Iran conflict.
Pakistan has maintained a diplomatic stance, refraining from confirming the Iranian general’s assertions. Defense Minister Khawaja Asif recently addressed Parliament, condemning Israel’s military actions and urging unity among Muslim nations. He called on countries maintaining diplomatic relations with Israel to sever them and urged the Organization of Islamic Cooperation (OIC) to develop a cohesive strategy.
Prime Minister Shehbaz Sharif expressed support for Iran, condemning Israeli airstrikes and urging international intervention. However, he did not suggest any military, let alone nuclear, commitments.
The statement from the Iranian general seems to serve more as strategic signaling rather than an established bilateral agreement. It highlights the heightened tensions in a region already grappling with active hostilities. Several military targets in Israel and Iran have reportedly been hit recently, leading to numerous casualties.
Global powers are closely monitoring the situation. Security analysts indicate that while the Iranian claim may serve as a deterrent, it risks involving additional nuclear-armed states in the Israel-Iran conflict, potentially leading to catastrophic regional effects.
Currently, Pakistan maintains a diplomatic support stance towards Iran without suggesting any direct military involvement. The nuclear retaliation claim remains a unilateral statement from Iran, without official endorsement from Pakistani authorities.
As nuclear rhetoric enters the dialogue, the situation remains tense, underscoring the urgent need for de-escalation and international diplomatic efforts.
