In a dramatic escalation of rhetoric amid the Israel-Iran conflict, a top Iranian general has claimed that Pakistan has pledged to retaliate with nuclear weapons against Israel if Tehran is struck with one.
The controversial statement, which comes as tensions soar in the region, was denied by a Pakistani official; however, the nation has admitted to backing Iran in the conflict.
Iran Claims Pakistan’s Nuclear Backing Against Israel
“Pakistan has told us that if Israel uses nuclear missiles, we will also attack it with nuclear weapons,” Iranian National Security Council member and senior Islamic Revolutionary Guard Corps (IRGC) general Mohsen Rezaei said during an interview with Iran’s state television, as quoted by Turkiye Today.
Have a look at his entire statement here:
The claim comes days after Israel reportedly launched direct strikes on Iranian soil on June 13, targeting nuclear facilities and killing key scientists and military officials under what Prime Minister Benjamin Netanyahu dubbed ‘Operation Rising Lion’. Iran swiftly retaliated with ‘Operation True Promise 3’, firing ballistic missiles at Israeli targets.
Amid the spiralling hostilities, Pakistan publicly denied the nuclear threat mentioned by Rezaei. However, the nation has openly expressed support for Iran, calling for Islamic unity in the face of what it describes as aggression by the Jewish state.
Pakistan Defence Minister Backs Iran, Urges Muslim Unity
Pakistan’s Defence Minister Khawaja Asif, speaking in the National Assembly on June 14, warned that Muslim countries could meet the “same fate” as Iran and Palestine if they do not come together.
“Israel has targeted Iran, Yemen, and Palestine. If Muslim nations don’t unite now, each will face the same fate,” Asif further said. He also urged nations with diplomatic ties to Israel to sever them and called for an urgent meeting of the Organisation of Islamic Cooperation.
Reaffirming Islamabad’s support, Asif added, “We stand behind Iran and will support them at every international forum to protect their interest.”
However, Asif later wrote in an X post, "Pakistan is signatory to all international nuclear disciplines, our nuclear capability is for the benefit of our people and defence of our country against hostile designs of our enemies. We do not pursue hegemonic policies against our neighbours which are being amply demonstrated by Israel these days."
Have a look at his entire statement here:
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The conflict, now entering its fifth day, shows no sign of slowing, as both sides continue exchanging drone and missile fire across borders.
