CIA Officer Claims US Controlled Pakistan Nukes

Ex-CIA Officer Claims Pentagon Controlled Pakistan's Nukes in 2002

Former CIA officer John Kiriakou has made a controversial claim, stating that the Pentagon had control over Pakistan's nuclear arsenal during his service in Pakistan in 2002. This revelation, if true, could significantly impact regional geopolitics, particularly concerning India's stance on nuclear weapons and the U.S.'s role in the region.

Kiriakou, who led counterterrorism operations in Pakistan, believes that Pakistan would 'lose any conventional war' against India, highlighting the tense relationship between the two nuclear-armed neighbours. Despite this, India maintains a firm stance against nuclear blackmail and has responded decisively to terrorism, as seen in its surgical strikes following the Uri attack in 2016.

Pakistan, however, has publicly denied the U.S. had control of its nuclear weapons. The U.S. government has not officially confirmed Kiriakou's claim, leaving the authenticity of his statement in question. Notably, the U.S. did not inform India about its alleged control of Pakistan's nukes, which could have potentially strained relations between the two countries.

Kiriakou's claim, if substantiated, could shed light on the U.S.'s role in managing regional nuclear security. However, without official confirmation, the implications remain uncertain. Regardless, Kiriakou advises against nuclear conflict, warning of global change if nuclear weapons are used, echoing the international community's stance on nuclear disarmament.