Pakistan's Nuclear Threat to Israel Amidst Iran's Support
Pakistan's Involvement in Iran-Israel Conflict
Pakistan is struggling to manage its own affairs while seemingly eager to engage in conflicts involving other nations. Following its recent setbacks against India, Pakistan has begun to align itself with Iran. Reports indicate that Pakistan is providing various forms of assistance to Iran in the ongoing conflict with Israel. Notably, Pakistan has issued a nuclear threat to Israel.
This threat was communicated through Iran, as Mohsen Rezaei, a member of Iran's National Security Council, stated in a recent television interview that Pakistan warned Iran that if Israel were to drop a nuclear bomb on Tehran, Pakistan would retaliate with a nuclear strike on Israel. Currently, Israel is the only nation in the Middle East known to possess nuclear weapons, while it accuses Iran of attempting to develop its own nuclear capabilities. Should the conflict escalate, Pakistan has indicated its willingness to participate.
Nuclear Capabilities of Pakistan and Israel
Estimates suggest that by 2023, Pakistan possesses around 170 nuclear warheads. Sources such as the Stockholm International Peace Research Institute (SIPRI) and the Federation of American Scientists (FAS) predict that Pakistan is likely to expand its nuclear arsenal, potentially reaching between 200 and 250 warheads by 2025.
In contrast, Israel maintains a policy of nuclear ambiguity and does not disclose information about its nuclear arsenal. Estimates indicate that Israel may have between 90 and 300 nuclear warheads, with FAS estimating around 90 and other sources suggesting figures between 100 and 200. The estimates for both countries are based on available materials and delivery systems, and neither nation has signed the Nuclear Non-Proliferation Treaty (NPT), keeping their exact numbers confidential.
Pakistan's Response to India
Following the Pulwama attack, India launched Operation Sindoor, which provoked a furious response from Pakistan, leading to a series of attacks against India. In retaliation, India inflicted significant damage on Pakistan over four days, targeting several of its cities.