Iran’s Nuclear Ambitions Revive Fears Over Pakistan’s Shadowy Past Cooperation
New concerns have emerged over Iran’s nuclear ambitions and their historical ties to Pakistan’s controversial exports. Decades-old links between the two nations now raise questions about future risks. Analysts warn that past cooperation could resurface, further complicating regional security.
Pakistan’s nuclear programme played a key role in Iran’s early enrichment efforts. In the 1980s and 1990s, A.Q. Khan’s network supplied Tehran with critical technology and materials. This transfer laid the groundwork for Iran’s current uranium enrichment capabilities, including its recent 60 per cent enrichment at fortified sites like Fordow.
Both countries have since faced scrutiny over transparency. Iran’s refusal to grant IAEA inspectors full access mirrors Pakistan’s earlier evasions. Meanwhile, Pakistan’s failure to sign the Nuclear Non-Proliferation Treaty (NPT) has long undermined global trust in non-proliferation efforts. The country’s ambiguous stance weakens enforcement of international safeguards. Recent instability in Pakistan adds to the risks. Jihadist attacks on military facilities have heightened fears of fissile material theft. Economic pressures and political turmoil could push elites to revive nuclear cooperation with Iran for survival or profit. Public statements from Islamabad supporting Tehran’s 'peaceful' nuclear rights suggest a continuing strategic bond. The convergence of economic and security interests between the two nations could escalate tensions. If past patterns repeat, Iran’s nuclear programme might receive further covert assistance, deepening regional instability.
The historical ties between Iran and Pakistan’s nuclear programmes remain a source of concern. Unresolved transparency issues and ongoing security threats increase the likelihood of future proliferation risks. Without stricter oversight, the potential for renewed cooperation could further destabilise an already volatile region.
Read also:
- American teenagers taking up farming roles previously filled by immigrants, a concept revisited from 1965's labor market shift.
- Weekly affairs in the German Federal Parliament (Bundestag)
- Landslide claims seven lives, injures six individuals while they work to restore a water channel in the northern region of Pakistan
- Escalating conflict in Sudan has prompted the United Nations to announce a critical gender crisis, highlighting the disproportionate impact of the ongoing violence on women and girls.
