Iran claimed that Pakistan would retaliate if Israel launched a nuclear attack. Pakistan denied this, stating it would not participate in the conflict, although it expressed support for Iran.
Israel-Iran: On June 13, 2025, Israel launched a large-scale military operation, codenamed ‘Operation Rising Lion,’ targeting Iran's nuclear, military, and oil-gas installations. The attack resulted in the deaths of numerous senior Iranian military officials, scientists, and civilians. In response, Iran launched missile and drone strikes against Israel. This confrontation had already heightened tensions to dangerous levels, but a statement from Iran introduced the element of nuclear weapons.
Claim by an Iranian Military Official
On June 16, General Mohsin Razzai, a senior commander of Iran's Revolutionary Guards (IRGC) and a member of the Security Council, claimed that Pakistan had assured Iran that it would also drop nuclear bombs on Israel if Israel launched a nuclear attack on Iran. This statement, made on Iranian state television, caused international upheaval.
Pakistan's Immediate Denial
Pakistan swiftly reacted to Iran's claim. Pakistan's Defense Minister, Khawaja Asif, stated that Islamabad had made no promise of a nuclear attack against Israel. He clarified that while Pakistan demonstrated solidarity with Iran, there was no agreement to participate in a nuclear war. This statement distanced Pakistan from any escalation of the conflict.
Statement in the Pakistani Parliament
On June 14, Khawaja Asif addressed the Pakistani parliament, bly criticizing Israel's actions. He warned that if Muslim countries did not unite, they would all face similar consequences. He called for an emergency meeting of the Organization of Islamic Cooperation (OIC) and urged Muslim nations to sever diplomatic ties with Israel. However, this statement made no mention of a nuclear attack.
Iran's Motives Behind the Claim
Experts believe Iran's claim may be a strategic move. Iran aims to bring regional Muslim countries, particularly nuclear-capable Pakistan, into the conflict on its side, thereby pressuring Israel and its supporters. However, Pakistan has made it clear it will not allow the conflict to escalate to a nuclear level.
Israel and Iran's Nuclear Policies
Israel's policy has always been one of ‘nuclear ambiguity.’ It neither confirms nor denies possessing nuclear weapons. However, it is believed to possess 80 to 200 nuclear weapons. On the other hand, Iran claims its nuclear program is solely for peaceful purposes, a claim international organizations do not trust. The IAEA recently stated that Iran has repeatedly violated its nuclear commitments.
Pakistan's Nuclear Policy and Stance
Pakistan possesses an estimated 170 nuclear weapons. Its policy is one of ‘first use,’ meaning it could use nuclear weapons preemptively if it feels threatened. However, this policy is directed against India, not Israel or any other country. Pakistan has never spoken of a nuclear attack against Israel.
