The escalating tensions between Iran, Israel, and the United States, sparked by Israel’s strikes on Iranian nuclear facilities on June 13, 2025, and intensified by U.S. airstrikes on Iran’s Fordo, Natanz, and Esfahan sites on June 22, 2025, have thrust Pakistan into a delicate position. As a nuclear-armed nation bordering Iran, Pakistan’s actions—condemning Israel, closing borders, rejecting Iran’s nuclear claims, and engaging with the U.S.—reveal a strategic balancing act. While publicly supporting Iran, Pakistan’s moves, including border closures and a high-profile U.S. visit by its army chief, suggest a pivot some view as a betrayal. This blog examines Pakistan’s involvement, exploring its diplomatic stance, security measures, and the perception of backstabbing Iran.
Background: The Iran-Israel-USA Conflict
Israel’s Initial Strikes
On June 13, 2025, Israel launched a surprise attack on Iran’s nuclear facilities, military bases, and key personnel, killing over 220 people, mostly civilians, according to Iran’s health ministry. The strikes aimed to cripple Iran’s nuclear program, escalating long-standing tensions.
Iran’s Retaliation
Iran responded with missile and drone strikes on Israel, resulting in over 20 deaths. The tit-for-tat attacks raised fears of a broader regional conflict, drawing global attention.
U.S. Involvement
Initially hesitant, the United States joined the conflict on June 22, 2025, with airstrikes targeting Iran’s nuclear infrastructure. This escalation, under President Donald Trump, has heightened concerns about a full-scale war, placing Pakistan in a complex geopolitical spotlight.
Pakistan’s Diplomatic Support for Iran: A Public Stance
Condemning Israel’s Actions
Pakistan swiftly condemned Israel’s strikes, labeling them “unjustified and illegitimate” on June 13, 2025. The Foreign Ministry urged the United Nations to hold Israel accountable, aligning with Pakistan’s long-standing refusal to recognize Israel.
High-Level Engagement with Iran
Prime Minister Shehbaz Sharif’s visit to Tehran in May 2025, meeting Iranian Supreme Leader Ayatollah Ali Khamenei and President Masoud Pezeshkian, underscored Pakistan’s solidarity. Sharif’s public support condemned Israel’s actions in Gaza and Iran, reinforcing ties with Tehran.
Advocating for Muslim Unity
Defense Minister Khawaja Asif called for Muslim nations to unite against Israel, warning of further aggression if they failed to act. His push for an Organisation of Islamic Cooperation (OIC) emergency meeting highlights Pakistan’s role as a vocal advocate for Iran.
Closing Borders: A Betrayal of Iran?
Security-Driven Border Closures
On June 15, 2025, Pakistan closed five border crossings with Iran, including Taftan and Gabd-Rimdan in Balochistan, citing security threats from Baloch separatist groups like the Balochistan Liberation Army (BLA) and Jaish al-Adl. The closures aimed to prevent conflict spillover.
Impact on Trade and Communities
The border shutdown disrupted cross-border trade and movement, critical for Balochistan and Iran’s Sistan-Baluchestan province. This has caused potential shortages, straining local economies and ethnic ties across the border.
Perception of Betrayal
While framed as a security measure, the closures are seen by some in Iran as a betrayal. Pakistan’s focus on repatriating over 450 nationals, including students and pilgrims, while limiting bilateral cooperation, suggests a prioritization of national interests over solidarity with Iran.
Rejecting Iran’s Nuclear Claims: A Diplomatic Snub?
Iran’s Controversial Claim
On June 15, 2025, Iranian General Mohsen Rezaei claimed on state television that Pakistan would retaliate with nuclear weapons if Israel used nuclear bombs against Iran. This suggested a deep military commitment, alarming global observers.
Pakistan’s Firm Denial
Defense Minister Khawaja Asif quickly denied these claims, calling them “fabricated” and clarifying that Pakistan’s nuclear arsenal is defensive, primarily aimed at India. This rejection distanced Pakistan from Iran’s military narrative.
Implications for Iran-Pakistan Ties
The public rebuttal is viewed by some as a diplomatic snub, undermining Iran’s attempt to project a united front. By aligning with international nuclear norms, Pakistan avoids Western sanctions but risks alienating Tehran, fueling perceptions of disloyalty.
Asim Munir’s U.S. Visit: A Strategic Pivot?
The High-Profile Meeting
On June 18, 2025, Pakistan’s army chief, Field Marshal Asim Munir, met President Donald Trump in a rare one-on-one discussion at the White House. The meeting, which extended beyond its scheduled time, covered the Iran-Israel conflict and bilateral ties.
Trump’s Praise and Pakistan’s Role
Trump praised Munir’s role in de-escalating a May 2025 conflict with India and noted Pakistan’s deep knowledge of Iran, hinting at its potential as a mediator. Pakistan later nominated Trump for the 2026 Nobel Peace Prize, signaling warming ties.
Timing and Speculation
The visit, days before U.S. airstrikes on Iran, has sparked speculation that Pakistan may have shared insights about Iran. The military-led engagement, without civilian officials, suggests a strategic alignment with U.S. interests, raising questions about Pakistan’s loyalty to Iran.
Security and Economic Pressures: Pakistan’s Balancing Act
Balochistan’s Security Risks
Border closures reflect Pakistan’s fear of conflict spillover into Balochistan, where separatist groups could exploit instability. A destabilized Iran could embolden Baloch autonomy movements, threatening Pakistan’s internal security.
Economic Vulnerabilities
Disruptions in the Strait of Hormuz could spike oil prices, worsening Pakistan’s inflation and energy crises. The China-Pakistan Economic Corridor (CPEC), particularly the Gwadar port, faces risks from regional instability, pushing Pakistan to prioritize stability.
Strategic Hedging
By rejecting Iran’s nuclear claims and engaging with the U.S., Pakistan seeks to avoid entanglement in a war that could alienate Western allies and jeopardize economic aid, such as IMF loans. However, these moves strain ties with Iran, reinforcing perceptions of betrayal.
Conclusion: A Tightrope Walk with High Stakes
Pakistan’s role in the Iran-Israel-USA conflict is a complex blend of public support for Iran and pragmatic steps to safeguard its own interests. While condemning Israel and advocating for Muslim unity, Pakistan’s border closures, rejection of Iran’s nuclear claims, and engagement with the U.S.—particularly Asim Munir’s visit days before U.S. strikes on Iran—suggest a strategic pivot. These actions, seen by some as backstabbing Iran, reflect Pakistan’s effort to balance diplomacy, security, and economic pressures in a volatile region. As the conflict unfolds, Pakistan’s ability to navigate this high-stakes tightrope will shape its regional standing and ties with both Iran and the U.S.