Expert Explains: Why Pakistan Is Carefully Walking a Tightrope Between Iran and the West

 Expert Explains: Why Pakistan Is Carefully Walking a Tightrope Between Iran and the West

As tensions escalate between Iran and Israel, Pakistan is treading carefully—trying to strike a fine balance shaped by its complex relationship with Iran, its dependence on U.S. support, and concerns about regional rival India.

Islamabad has voiced strong support for Tehran, condemning Israel’s actions as a clear violation of international humanitarian law and basic norms of civilized conduct.

However, Pakistan has avoided taking any concrete military steps in support of Iran. Just recently, when an Iranian general claimed on national TV that Pakistan had offered to extend its nuclear deterrent to Iran, Pakistan’s Foreign Minister Ishaq Dar quickly shot down the claim, saying no such statement had ever been made by Islamabad.

This cautious approach reflects Pakistan’s broader balancing act—trying to maintain ties with Iran without jeopardizing its relationship with the West or provoking security anxieties at home and across the border.