Tariq Mahmood Awan
Pakistan’s recent decision to openly support Iran in the wake of Israel’s military strikes on Iranian nuclear facilities marks a significant and strategic shift in its foreign policy. At a time when global alignments are being tested and regional rivalries intensify, Pakistan has demonstrated a new level of confidence and clarity in its international positioning. By taking a principled stand in support of Iran at international forums like the United Nations, Pakistan is signaling its intent to assert itself as an independent, sovereign actor in global diplomacy. This move not only enhances Pakistan’s regional credibility but also has wider diplomatic, strategic, and domestic implications that may shape the country’s geopolitical relevance for years to come.
Historically, Pakistan has carefully balanced its relationships across the Middle East, maintaining close ties with Saudi Arabia and other Gulf countries, while cautiously engaging with Iran. These diplomatic tightropes were often navigated with neutrality and discretion. However, by vocally siding with Iran amid Israeli aggression, Pakistan has made it clear that it is prepared to take bold positions based on principles and strategic calculations — not just traditional alliances. This marks a departure from past ambiguity and demonstrates a newfound diplomatic maturity. It also reflects Pakistan’s ability to read shifting global dynamics and adapt its foreign policy accordingly.
One of the immediate strategic outcomes of Pakistan’s stance is its ability to counterbalance the deepening India-Israel partnership. For years, India has received extensive military, intelligence, and technological support from Israel, including surveillance systems, drones, and missile technology. This strategic relationship has posed a direct challenge to Pakistan’s security interests. By expressing support for Iran — a country that is both geopolitically opposed to Israel and wary of India’s growing regional clout — Pakistan has sent a clear message: it is willing to leverage its diplomatic weight to challenge alignments that threaten its national interests. This is a calculated move to neutralize Indian influence in Tehran and limit the strategic depth of the India-Israel alliance.
Furthermore, Pakistan’s posture may influence Iran’s perception of India’s neutrality. While India has attempted to stay non-committal in the Israel-Iran conflict, its longstanding economic and strategic ties with Tel Aviv place it in a difficult position. Pakistan’s support for Iran creates a new layer of complexity for New Delhi, potentially reducing its influence in Tehran and offering Islamabad an opportunity to expand its diplomatic and economic footprint in Iran — especially in areas of mutual interest such as border security, energy trade, and regional transit routes.
This foreign policy move has also significantly enhanced Pakistan’s image within the Islamic world. By standing with Iran — a country often politically isolated in the Muslim world — Pakistan has positioned itself as a principled voice against aggression, regardless of sectarian or geopolitical divisions. This stance resonates with a broad Muslim constituency that views Israel’s attacks on Iran as unjustified and provocative. At a time when several Arab states have normalized relations with Israel and chosen silence over confrontation, Pakistan’s assertiveness is being noticed. It sends a message to the broader Islamic world that Pakistan remains committed to justice, sovereignty, and Muslim solidarity — principles that many feel have been sidelined in recent years.
Importantly, this support for Iran has not jeopardized Pakistan’s relations with the United States or Western countries. On the contrary, Pakistan has maintained a careful and calculated diplomatic posture — condemning Israeli aggression without escalating tensions with its Western partners. This balanced approach shows that Pakistan is capable of acting independently without burning bridges. It signals to Washington that Islamabad will not blindly follow the strategic preferences of others, especially when those preferences undermine its security or moral positioning. At the same time, it reassures the West that Pakistan remains a responsible actor committed to regional stability and diplomacy.
This new diplomatic assertiveness is also visible in Pakistan’s nuanced handling of domestic and regional alliances. While maintaining ties with the Gulf states, Pakistan’s support for Iran demonstrates that it is not beholden to any one bloc. It is signaling to both Sunni and Shia powers in the Muslim world that its decisions are guided by national interest and principle — not sectarian alignments. This enhances Pakistan’s credibility as a neutral mediator and a unifying force within the fractured Muslim world, which could elevate its diplomatic standing in organizations like the OIC.
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Locally, this bold foreign policy decision has also had a confidence-building effect. Pakistan, in recent years, has struggled with diplomatic isolation, economic instability, and a perception of strategic passivity. By taking a clear stand on a contentious international issue, the state has demonstrated that it is capable of making sovereign decisions based on national interest rather than external pressure. This reinforces domestic confidence in Pakistan’s foreign policy institutions and promotes a narrative of strategic self-reliance — an important psychological boost in a country that has long battled external dependence and internal fragmentation.
From a regional security standpoint, Pakistan’s alignment with Iran could also open doors for improved cooperation along the border regions, especially in Balochistan and Sistan-Baluchestan. These areas have historically been plagued by cross-border militancy, smuggling, and instability. A closer Pakistan-Iran relationship could lead to joint mechanisms for border management, anti-terror operations, and regional development projects — all of which would directly benefit Pakistan’s internal security and economic resilience.
Finally, Pakistan’s support for Iran in this conflict has allowed it to expand its diplomatic circle internationally. Iran, despite facing sanctions and isolation, maintains strong relations with several influential countries, including Russia, China, and parts of Latin America. By standing with Iran, Pakistan is signaling openness to diversified global partnerships — a shift that could serve its broader economic and strategic interests. At a time when global politics is becoming increasingly multipolar, Pakistan’s willingness to engage with a wider range of international actors gives it new avenues for economic cooperation and diplomatic influence.
Pakistan’s open and principled support for Iran amid the Israel-Iran conflict is more than a symbolic gesture — it is a carefully calculated move rooted in strategic foresight and regional recalibration. It reflects an emerging foreign policy doctrine that prioritizes national interest, regional balance, and independent decision-making. By challenging the India-Israel axis, enhancing its image in the Muslim world, maintaining equilibrium with the West, and bolstering its regional partnerships, Pakistan has repositioned itself as a credible and confident player in global diplomacy. This bold decision, if sustained with clarity and consistency, may well redefine Pakistan’s role in the international order — not as a reactive actor, but as a proactive force for regional justice, balance, and sovereignty.
