A senior Iranian official has alleged that Pakistan would retaliate with a nuclear strike against Israel if Tel Aviv were to use nuclear weapons on Iran. The claim was promptly rejected by Islamabad.

General Mohsen Rezaei, a senior IRGC commander and member of Iran’s National Security Council, stated on Iranian state television that Pakistan had assured them of a nuclear response if Israel attacked Iran with nuclear weapons.

These statements come amidst heightened tensions between Iran and Israel, with both sides engaging in missile exchanges and escalating rhetoric.

Pakistan’s Defence Minister refuted the claim, stating that no such commitment had been made.

Although Pakistan denied the possibility of nuclear retaliation, it has expressed solidarity with Iran in its conflict with Israel. Following an attack on Tehran, Pakistan pledged support to Iran and called for unity among Muslim nations against Israel.

Defence Minister Khawaja Asif emphasized the need for Muslim countries to unite against Israel to avoid facing similar consequences as Iran and Palestine.

He also urged nations with diplomatic relations with Israel to sever ties and proposed that the Organisation of Islamic Cooperation (OIC) convene a meeting to develop a collective strategy against Israel.

Israel follows a policy of nuclear ambiguity, neither confirming nor denying the possession of nuclear weapons. Despite this stance, it is widely believed to have a nuclear arsenal, focusing on deterrence and counter-proliferation efforts to prevent adversaries from acquiring similar capabilities.

In contrast, Iran maintains that its nuclear program is for peaceful purposes like energy production and medical research. Tehran, as a signatory to the Non-Proliferation Treaty (NPT), asserts that it does not seek nuclear weapons.

However, concerns have been raised by Western nations and the International Atomic Energy Agency (IAEA) regarding Iran’s uranium enrichment, ballistic missile program, and lack of transparency in nuclear activities, suggesting potential military applications.