Pakistan, Aug.04,2025: He described Iran as a “brotherly and friendly country” whose right to civilian nuclear technology must be respected under UN charters
Pakistan supports Iran nuclear program – dramatic declaration rocks diplomacy
Pakistan supports Iran nuclear program has emerged as the headline signal of a shifting regional alignment. Prime Minister Shehbaz Sharif has publicly affirmed Islamabad’s unwavering support for Iran’s right to pursue nuclear energy for peaceful civilian use—a move that has sparked buzz across diplomatic circles and media outlets. This stance comes amid escalating tensions following Israeli strikes on Iran’s nuclear infrastructure and intensifying NATO scrutiny.
Breaking declaration by Prime Minister Sharif
In Islamabad on 3–4 August 2025, during Iranian President Masoud Pezeshkian’s two-day visit, Prime Minister Shehbaz Sharif emphatically declared:
“Pakistan stands with Iran for the acquisition of peaceful nuclear power.”
He described Iran as a “brotherly and friendly country” whose right to civilian nuclear technology must be respected under UN charters. Sharif also condemned Israeli aggression, praising Iran’s resilience and reaffirming Islamabad’s solidarity.
Historical context: Pakistan–Iran nuclear ties
The two nations share a history of strategic cooperation on nuclear issues. Since 2006, Pakistan has publicly endorsed Iran’s right to develop nuclear power for civil infrastructure while opposing weaponisation. Former Foreign Minister Shah Mehmood Qureshi asserted that Iran had “no justification” for pursuing nuclear arms. This long-standing position forms the basis of the recent declaration.
Amid cross-border tensions, including 2024 missile exchanges and mutual airspace violations, Islamabad and Tehran made efforts to de-escalate and resume some nuclear diplomacy—often emphasizing energy cooperation over weapon development.
Why Pakistan supports Iran’s peaceful nuclear rights
A. Shared strategic anxieties
Pakistan and Iran face mutual external pressures—from Israel’s strategic posture to Western sanctions and geopolitical isolation. Islamabad sees itself as aligning with Tehran to resist isolation and assert sovereign nuclear ambition for development.
B. Solidarity amid conflict
Sharif specifically thanked Iran for diplomatic support during Pakistan–India conflict and condemned the Israeli strikes in Gaza and Iran. He called upon the Muslim world to unite against such aggression.
C. Diplomatic balancing
While Pakistan nominates U.S. figures for peace accolades, it also denounces their aggression when acting against Iran. This double-pronged diplomacy emphasizes Pakistan’s desire to maintain both Western ties and regional solidarity.
Reactions: Israel, U.S. and regional players
Israel
While no official Israeli reaction was reported immediately, the shift is sure to raise alarm in Tel Aviv. Pakistan’s explicit support for Iran’s nuclear rights and condemnation of Israeli strikes is likely to be seen as antagonistic.
United States
Official American sources have been critical of Iran’s nuclear ambitions. Pakistan’s divergent position may strain ties, though Islamabad continues to position itself as seeking diplomatic dialogue rather than militant escalation.
Muslim world and regional allies
Pakistan’s message to Muslim nations urges a unified stance against destabilization agendas and solidarity with Iran—frequently invoking Al Quds, Palestine, and resistance to Israeli military actions.
Strategic MoUs and economic alignment
During the state visit, Pakistan and Iran signed 12 agreements and MoUs covering trade, agriculture, science, technology, innovation, communications, and maritime safety. A major shared economic target was set: increasing bilateral trade from USD 3 billion to USD 10 billion annually.
Sharif called for formalizing informal trade routes—particularly linking Gwadar and Chabahar ports—enhancing connectivity to Russia, Turkey, and beyond.
The MoUs also touched on border security and counter‑terrorism cooperation, reflecting an emerging strategic partnership aimed at stabilizing restive zones like Balochistan and Sistan‑Baluchestan.
Security cooperation & terrorism stance
Both countries reaffirmed their shared position against terrorism:
- Sharif pledged stricter border collaboration to eliminate militant activity.
- President Pezeshkian echoed the call for greater Muslim unity in face of regional threats.
- Pakistan emphasized a common vision for peace and development across Islamic nations.
This synergy underscores a policy shift toward Eastward alliances rather than Western-led security frameworks.
Potential escalation & nuclear rhetoric fallout
Reports emerged via Iranian state media asserting Pakistan pledged nuclear retaliation against Israel if Iran was attacked. Specifically, IRGC official Mohsen Rezaei mentioned Islamabad’s readiness to deploy Shaheen-3 missiles.
However, Pakistan swiftly denied these claims, clarifying that no such commitment aligns with its policy. Islamabad emphasized this reflects neither its official position nor strategy, avoiding nuclear escalation rhetoric.
The contradictory messaging highlights risks: inflaming tensions via misinterpretation of nuclear pledges in highly volatile geopolitics.
Expert analysis and speculative risks
Subsidiary to this strategic realignment are several concerns:
- Geopolitical balancing: Pakistan risks alienating Western allies while deepening ties with Tehran.
- Nuclear proliferation anxieties: Messaging around retaliation heightens global concern even if unofficial.
- Regional competition: India’s concerns may rise, prompting recalibration in South Asian diplomacy.
- Economic interdependence: If successful, the $10 billion trade push with Iran could reconfigure regional logistics networks through INSTC corridors and land routes.Analysts suggest Pakistan seeks both strategic insulation and economic leverage via this implicit pivot eastward. It remains fraught but symbolically bold.
Pakistan supports Iran nuclear program is not a minor statement—it signals a recalibration of alliances, shared ideological posture, and a readiness to deepen cooperation beyond traditional alignments.
While Pakistan insists this is solely about peaceful civilian atomic energy, the optics are potent: against Israeli strikes, amid murky nuclear rhetoric, and within contested trade corridors.
The move elevates Islamabad to a vocal advocate for Iran’s atomization rights, at a time when global diplomacy battles over non‑nuclear proliferation, regional peace, and shifting power blocs.
