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The Hill
2 days ago
- Politics
- The Hill
A lesson on nuclear weapons for Iran, from its neighbor, Pakistan
The U.S. and Israel attacked Iran to destroy the country's nuclear program and perhaps force regime change. Yet just next door to Iran sits Pakistan, a nuclear weapons state, an opponent of Israel and a frenemy of the U.S. How did Pakistan succeed in getting the bomb, whereas Iran's regime is now in a fight for its life? First, the Americans want revenge for the humiliation of 1979, when 52 Americans were held for 444 days by the revolutionary government. Iran may have decided the 1980 election, handing the White House to Ronald Reagan — ensuring future presidents would do anything to avoid Jimmy Carter's fate. America's internal propagandizing has ensured that few citizens know the cause of Iran's enmity is the 1953 coup, sponsored by Washington and London, against the freely elected government in Tehran after Iran's parliament voted to nationalize the British-controlled Anglo-Iranian Oil Company. Second, Pakistan made itself useful to the U.S. in the insurgency against the Soviet invasion of Afghanistan in 1979, and the U.S. punitive expedition in Afghanistan from 2001 to 2021. In the 1980s, Pakistan distributed U.S. weapons and money to the anti-Soviet mujahideen; America obliged by overlooking Pakistan's development of nuclear weapons, though the U.S. stopped its 'willful gullibility' in 1990 when President George H.W. Bush was no longer able to certify that Pakistan no longer possessed a nuclear weapon. Many in Pakistan believe America no longer needed them in Afghanistan and so betrayed its long-standing ally, but the real reason may have been the Kashmir crisis that caused Pakistan to raise the enrichment of its uranium to weapons grade, which 'removed the last fig leaf.' After 9/11, Pakistan's leader, Gen. Pervez Musharraf, provided the U.S. with logistical support, intelligence cooperation and access to military bases. In return, Pakistan received billions in military and economic aid — but never severed its ties with the Taliban or the Haqqani Network. Pakistan hosted ground lines of communication for resupply of U.S. forces in Afghanistan, and made Karachi's Port Qasim available for military cargo. U.S. reliance on Pakistan for overland logistics was near-complete; Adm. Mike Mullen, chairman of the U,S. Joint Chiefs of Staff, finally admitted, 'The Haqqani network … acts as a veritable arm of Pakistan's Inter-Services Intelligence Agency.' The U.S. military was prepared to overlook troop deaths in Afghanistan due to Pakistan, but it always highlighted the claim that over 600 American troops in Iraq were killed due to Iran's actions. Mullen's complaint tipped Pakistan's brass that if you kill Americans, the Pentagon will let it slide if you have something it desperately needs, like access to a battlefield. But perhaps Pakistan has sensed a weakening of American ardor, as its defense minister, Khawaja Muhammad Asif, recently reminded Washington and London when he declared, 'Well, we have been doing this dirty work for United States for about three decades, you know, and West, including Britain.' Pakistan's 'dirty work' didn't get in the way of its confirmation by Washington as a 'Major Non-NATO Ally,' a status it shares with Taiwan and Japan, among others. Pakistan has many deficits in its system of governance, but lack of understanding of the Americans isn't one of them. In December 2024, Washington sanctioned four Pakistan entities for 'contributing to Pakistan's ballistic missile program.' But Pakistan's chief of Army staff, Field Marshal Syed Asim Munir, still visited Washington, D.C., in June 2025 where he attended the parade for the U.S. Army's 250th birthday, and met President Trump in the Oval Office. (Munir is formerly director general of Pakistan's Military Intelligence, and then Inter-Services Intelligence, and was likely aware of Osama bin Laden's accommodation in Abbottabad.) To smooth his way to Washington, Munir met a delegation from World Liberty Financial, a cryptocurrency firm majority-owned by the Trump family. The delegation included Zachary Witkoff, son of Trump's negotiator with Iran, Steve Witkoff. Even an experienced operator like Munir must have been walked away from the meeting dazed, thinking, 'They're just like well-connected Pakistani businessmen!' Iran was hobbled by the (unpublished) fatwa, or religious decree, from Supreme Leader Ali Khamenei that weapons of mass destruction — particularly nuclear weapons — were forbidden under Islamic law. (Khamenei's repudiation of WMD may be because of Iraq's use of chemical weapons in the Iran–Iraq war from 1980 to 1988.) Pakistan, led by a cohesive military officer class that single-mindedly seeks deterrence against India, is under no such religious restriction because its military isn't answerable to clerics. Iran is also limited by the legacy of the Shah's White Revolution, affecting schools, hospitals and public health, irrigation, urbanization and transport. In Iran, the leaders, no matter how focused on financially supporting their allies in Syria, Palestine and Lebanon, and on the country's nuclear program, still had to meet public demands for services. Pakistan, on the other hand, has always suffered from sub-par infrastructure and public services and only invests about 1 percent of GDP in public infrastructure, so the country's leaders benefit from a population that doesn't know a better situation. Pakistan's former prime minister, Zulfikar Ali Bhutto, declared, 'we will eat leaves and grass, even go hungry' to get a nuclear bomb — and they did. Pakistan supported Iran in its war with Israel and may have transferred missiles to the Islamic Republic. The war may push Iran and Pakistan closer together, and they can influence significant real estate: the east shoreline of the Persian Gulf, the Strait of Hormuz and the Gulf of Oman. Then there's the Trans-Afghan Corridor from Central Asia to Pakistan, the International North–South Transport Corridor from India to Europe, and the China–Iran railroad that crosses four Central Asia republics. Former U.S. national security adviser Zbigniew Brzezinski warned of a coalition between Russia, China and Iran as a geostrategic nightmare for the U.S. He described this as a potential 'antihegemonic' alliance, but he thought such a coalition was unlikely — unless the U.S. antagonized all three simultaneously, which America has done, with Pakistan as a potential bonus member. James Durso, a regular commentator on foreign policy and national security matters, served in the U.S. Navy for 20 years and has worked in Kuwait, Saudi Arabia, and Iraq.
Daily Mirror
23-06-2025
- Politics
- Daily Mirror
Exactly how UK could be impacted by Trump's Iran attack - including going to war
Britain faces mounting questions about its own role in the rapidly escalating tensions between Iran, Israel, and the United States - after US airstrikes shattered three of Iran's nuclear sites As US airstrikes shattered three of Iran's nuclear sites on Sunday - including the heavily fortified Fordow facility buried beneath a mountain - Britain faces mounting questions about its own role in the rapidly escalating tensions between Iran, Israel, and the United States. While the UK hasn't fired a shot, it is entangled diplomatically, militarily, and strategically - and could find itself drawn in if tensions escalate even further. It comes after Iran 's foreign minister Abbas Araghchi said his country "reserves all options" to retaliate and that the US strikes - which he branded "extremely dangerous, lawless and criminal" will have "everlasting consequences". Here's where things stand, and what might come next. Could the UK be pulled into a war? The US strike, which President Trump declared a 'spectacular military success,' saw six bunker-busting bombs and submarine-launched missiles used to target nuclear sites in Fordow, Natanz and Isfahan. It marked a dramatic shift in the long-simmering standoff with Iran - and left allies scrambling to react. Though Britain wasn't involved in the operation, it was informed of Trump's plan in advance. Responding to the strikes on Sunday, Prime Minister Keir welcomed the setback to Iran's nuclear ambitions, saying said there is a 'risk of escalation' both in the Middle East and 'beyond the region' as he called for a return to diplomacy. Washington ultimately chose not to request use of the British-controlled Diego Garcia base in the Indian Ocean in its attack - a move that would have required Starmer's approval for the strikes and, effectively, placed the UK in the conflict. Attorney General Lord Hermer reportedly advised that UK participation must remain strictly defensive, in line with international law and Article 51 of the UN Charter, the Times reports. But should the US ask, the pressure on Britain to stand beside its closest ally could be immense. How the US attack on Iran affects UK politics Keir Starmer may be feeling blindsided. Just last week at the G7 summit, he said he didn't think Donald Trump was about to get involved in the conflict. Days later, US airstrikes pounded Iran's nuclear sites. Now the Prime Minister is being pulled into a fast-moving international crisis - one that risks swallowing up his time and energy. Back home, he's already bracing for a major rebellion over welfare cuts. Energy prices may surge If things spiral, British households could feel it in their wallets. Iran has the power to block the Strait of Hormuz - a narrow stretch of water where 20% of the world 's oil and gas flows. If it does, energy prices could surge. That means more pain at the petrol pump and bigger bills for everyone already struggling with the cost of living. Security services fear UK could be targeted Iran has long regarded the UK as a legitimate target, and officials are warning that the threat level could rise in response to the latest US strikes. Security services believe that if Iran seeks to retaliate, it may do so indirectly, causing disruption without crossing into open warfare. MI5 is already said to be on alert for acts of arson or disruption carried out by proxy criminal gangs. In Parliament on Sunday, Business Secretary Jonathan Reynolds warned the strikes had increased the risk of Iranian-backed terror threats in Britain. Starmer likely to bolster Britain's military presence in Middle East More British forces could soon be heading to the region. Last week, as the fighting between Israel and Iran escalated, the UK sent RAF Typhoon jets to provide 'contingency support.' More deployments could follow as the situation worsens - and ministers prepare for the possibility of a long and unpredictable conflict. What happens next? For now, Britain is not at war - but it could find itself drawn further in to the ongoing conflict. The UK government is currently working to protect British nationals in the Middle East and harden defences at overseas military sites. If Trump demands allied support for broader intervention, the UK may need to choose to either align with US military action, risk Iranian retaliation, or stand aside and mediate the diplomatic storm. In 2003, the UK followed the US into a highly controversial military campaign against Iraq in a quest to rid it of its supposed arsenal of "weapons of mass destruction" - which turned out to have all been destroyed years previously.
ITV News
20-06-2025
- Politics
- ITV News
UK and EU to hold talks with Iran in efforts to de-escalate conflict
The Foreign Secretary David Lammy will travel to Geneva on Friday to meet with the Iranian foreign minister and his counterparts from France, Germany and the EU, in an effort to reach a diplomatic solution to the Israel-Iran conflict. The meeting with Abbas Araghchi comes after US Donald Trump said he would make a decision on US military action in Tehran"within the next two weeks". It also follows Lammy's visit to Washington, where he met US secretary of state Marco Rubio in the White House on Thursday evening to discuss 'how a deal could avoid a deepening conflict'. Lammy is expected to reiterate the UK's concerns about Iran's nuclear programme, and to press for a diplomatic solution to resolve the issue long term. In a statement ahead of the meeting, he said: "The situation in the Middle East remains perilous. We are determined that Iran must never have a nuclear weapon.' Adding that a 'window now exists within the next two weeks to achieve a diplomatic solution', Lammy said: 'Now is the time to put a stop to the grave scenes in the Middle East and prevent a regional escalation that would benefit no one.' Israeli airstrikes reached into the city of Rasht on the Caspian Sea early on Friday, Iranian media reported. Since the conflict erupted last week, at least 657 people, including 263 civilians, have been killed in Iran and more than 2,000 wounded, according to a Washington-based Iranian human rights group. Meanwhile, at least 24 people in Israel have been killed and hundreds wounded. Earlier on Thursday, Prime Minister Sir Keir Starmer had urged the US to step back from military action, saying there was a 'real risk of escalation'. It is unclear whether the UK would join any military action, although there has been speculation that US involvement could require using the British-controlled base on Diego Garcia in the Chagos Islands. The B-2 stealth bombers based there are capable of carrying specialised 'bunker buster' bombs which could be used against Iran's underground nuclear facility at Fordo. Attorney General Lord Hermer is reported to have raised legal concerns about any British involvement in the conflict beyond defending its allies, which could limit the extent of any support for the US if Trump decides to act militarily.
Leader Live
20-06-2025
- Politics
- Leader Live
Lammy to meet Iranian foreign minister as Trump steps back from military action
The Foreign Secretary is set to meet Abbas Araghchi alongside his counterparts from France, Germany and the EU as he seeks to negotiate a settlement before US President Donald Trump decides on whether to take military action against Tehran. In a statement read by his press secretary on Thursday, Mr Trump said there was still 'a substantial chance of negotiations' and said he would make a decision on deploying US forces 'within the next two weeks'. Mr Trump had previously said he 'may' join Israeli strikes against Iran and its nuclear programme, but added: 'I may not do it. I mean, nobody knows what I'm going to do.' Friday's meeting with the so-called E3 countries follows Mr Lammy's visit to Washington, where he met US secretary of state Marco Rubio in the White House on Thursday evening to discuss 'how a deal could avoid a deepening conflict'. The Foreign Secretary said: 'The situation in the Middle East remains perilous. We are determined that Iran must never have a nuclear weapon.' The situation in the Middle East remains perilous. We are determined that Iran must never have a nuclear weapon. Meeting with @SecRubio and @SteveWitkoff in the White House today, we discussed how a deal could avoid a deepening conflict. A window now exists within the next two… — David Lammy (@DavidLammy) June 19, 2025 Adding that a 'window now exists within the next two weeks to achieve a diplomatic solution', Mr Lammy said: 'Now is the time to put a stop to the grave scenes in the Middle East and prevent a regional escalation that would benefit no one.' Earlier on Thursday, Prime Minister Sir Keir Starmer had urged the US to step back from military action, saying there was a 'real risk of escalation'. It remains unclear whether the UK would join any military action, although there has been speculation that US involvement could require using the British-controlled base on Diego Garcia in the Chagos Islands. The B-2 stealth bombers based there are capable of carrying specialised 'bunker buster' bombs which could be used against Iran's underground nuclear facility at Fordo. Attorney General Lord Hermer is reported to have raised legal concerns about any British involvement in the conflict beyond defending its allies, which could limit the extent of any support for the US if Mr Trump decides to act militarily. Meanwhile, two Labour backbenchers pushed for a 'fresh, tough approach' to Tehran. Jon Pearce and Mike Tapp, chairman and vice-chairman respectively of Labour Friends of Israel, said the UK urgently needed 'a multifaceted diplomatic, economic and national security plan to guard against the Iranian threat and force the regime to change course'. Writing in The Daily Telegraph, the pair called for tighter sanctions on Iran, the proscription of the country's Revolutionary Guard Corps and a 'comprehensive diplomatic solution' that 'eliminates once and for all' Iran's nuclear threat.
Rhyl Journal
20-06-2025
- Politics
- Rhyl Journal
Lammy to meet Iranian foreign minister as Trump steps back from military action
The Foreign Secretary is set to meet Abbas Araghchi alongside his counterparts from France, Germany and the EU as he seeks to negotiate a settlement before US President Donald Trump decides on whether to take military action against Tehran. In a statement read by his press secretary on Thursday, Mr Trump said there was still 'a substantial chance of negotiations' and said he would make a decision on deploying US forces 'within the next two weeks'. Mr Trump had previously said he 'may' join Israeli strikes against Iran and its nuclear programme, but added: 'I may not do it. I mean, nobody knows what I'm going to do.' Friday's meeting with the so-called E3 countries follows Mr Lammy's visit to Washington, where he met US secretary of state Marco Rubio in the White House on Thursday evening to discuss 'how a deal could avoid a deepening conflict'. The Foreign Secretary said: 'The situation in the Middle East remains perilous. We are determined that Iran must never have a nuclear weapon.' The situation in the Middle East remains perilous. We are determined that Iran must never have a nuclear weapon. Meeting with @SecRubio and @SteveWitkoff in the White House today, we discussed how a deal could avoid a deepening conflict. A window now exists within the next two… — David Lammy (@DavidLammy) June 19, 2025 Adding that a 'window now exists within the next two weeks to achieve a diplomatic solution', Mr Lammy said: 'Now is the time to put a stop to the grave scenes in the Middle East and prevent a regional escalation that would benefit no one.' Earlier on Thursday, Prime Minister Sir Keir Starmer had urged the US to step back from military action, saying there was a 'real risk of escalation'. It remains unclear whether the UK would join any military action, although there has been speculation that US involvement could require using the British-controlled base on Diego Garcia in the Chagos Islands. The B-2 stealth bombers based there are capable of carrying specialised 'bunker buster' bombs which could be used against Iran's underground nuclear facility at Fordo. Attorney General Lord Hermer is reported to have raised legal concerns about any British involvement in the conflict beyond defending its allies, which could limit the extent of any support for the US if Mr Trump decides to act militarily. Meanwhile, two Labour backbenchers pushed for a 'fresh, tough approach' to Tehran. Jon Pearce and Mike Tapp, chairman and vice-chairman respectively of Labour Friends of Israel, said the UK urgently needed 'a multifaceted diplomatic, economic and national security plan to guard against the Iranian threat and force the regime to change course'. Writing in The Daily Telegraph, the pair called for tighter sanctions on Iran, the proscription of the country's Revolutionary Guard Corps and a 'comprehensive diplomatic solution' that 'eliminates once and for all' Iran's nuclear threat.
