The objectives for which the United States dropped destructive bombs via B-2 bombers on Iran's Natanz, Fordow, and Isfahan nuclear sites, the purpose for which Israel attacked Iran, have been openly opposed by Pakistan. Prime Minister Shehbaz Sharif of Pakistan has stated that his country supports Iran’s nuclear dreams. It’s noteworthy that Iran's President Masoud Pezheshkian is on a visit to Pakistan.
President Masoud Pezheshkian received a warm welcome upon reaching Pakistan. Prime Minister Shehbaz Sharif and Deputy PM Ishaq Dar greeted him at the airport. During this visit, the two countries vowed to strengthen economic and cultural ties.
Pakistan and Iran have agreed to more than triple bilateral trade. The current bilateral trade between Pakistan and Iran is worth $3 billion. Both nations have set a target to increase it to $10 billion. Besides, after dialogues between Prime Minister Shehbaz Sharif and Iranian President Masoud Pezheshkian, both sides signed 12 agreements and memorandums of understanding.
However, Pakistan’s support for Iran's dream of becoming a nuclear power was a major highlight of the visit. This announcement comes at a time when tensions between Iran and Israel/USA are at a peak, especially after the air strikes on Iran's nuclear sites by Israel and America in June 2025.
This announcement by Pakistan not only affects the regional power balance but also raises questions about its relations with the USA. Notably, under Trump’s policies, Pakistan was focused on, and he provided substantial tariff relief to Pakistan, imposing only a 19% tariff.
Trump also made aspirational statements about oil extraction in Pakistan, leaving Pakistani leadership momentarily ecstatic. But by supporting Iran's nuclear dreams, Pakistan has rolled the dice in a double game.
Prime Minister Shehbaz Sharif stated that Iran has the right to use nuclear energy for peaceful purposes. This exact issue was recently the reason for conflicts with Israel.
Sharif said, "Pakistan stands with Iran in its objective to achieve peaceful nuclear energy." He condemned the recent Israeli attacks against Iran and praised Tehran's efforts in defense of their country.
Notably, Israel and the United States have staunchly opposed Iran's nuclear program historically. Both countries perceive the potential development of nuclear weapons by Iran as a threat to national and regional security. The US had imposed monitoring and restrictions on Iran's nuclear activities under the 2015 JCPOA (Iran Nuclear Deal); however, in 2018, the Trump administration canceled it and imposed stricter sanctions.
Israel views Iran as a threat to its existence. Both nations support strict IAEA monitoring and maintaining pressure on Iran.
Even if for peaceful purposes, America and Israel look at Iran's nuclear program with suspicion. They believe that Iran's claim of being 'peaceful' could veil intents to develop military nuclear weapons.
The question now is what Pakistan's Army Chief Asim Munir, who once dined with Trump, will say regarding Shehbaz Sharif's move. Munir could emphasize that Pakistan only supports Iran's peaceful nuclear program, as restated by Shehbaz Sharif.
This stance will send a message to America that Pakistan's support is not for military nuclear aspirations but strictly for civilian use.
During the Iran-Israel conflict, a former Iranian General created a sensation by stating that Pakistan assured them that if Israel uses nuclear weapons on Iran, they would retaliate against Israel with nuclear bombs. However, Pakistan did not confirm this.
In this scenario, Pakistan's military leadership might state that Pakistan hasn't initiated any new military cooperation with Iran, and such declarations suit geopolitical necessities.
