Responsible nations must reject nuclear escalation

Global Watch | 2025-09-26

The announcement that Pakistan's nuclear program could be made available to Saudi Arabia under a new mutual defense pact has sent shockwaves through the international community.

This unprecedented acknowledgment by Pakistan's Defense Minister Khawaja Mohammad Asif underscores the growing risks of nuclear rhetoric and the destabilizing impact it has on global security. At a time when the world faces mounting geopolitical tensions, the introduction of nuclear weapons into defense agreements is a dangerous step backward.

The defense pact between Pakistan and Saudi Arabia, signed in the wake of Israel's attack on Qatar, is being framed as a deterrent. However, the inclusion of nuclear capabilities in such agreements sets a troubling precedent.

Nuclear weapons are not tools of diplomacy, they are instruments of mass destruction. Their very existence in defense pacts normalizes the idea that nuclear war is an acceptable option, undermining decades of global efforts to prevent proliferation and reduce reliance on these weapons.

While Pakistan and Saudi Arabia have longstanding ties, including Saudi financial support for Pakistan's nuclear program, this new arrangement risks escalating tensions in an already volatile region. The Middle East is no stranger to conflict, and the introduction of nuclear rhetoric only adds fuel to the fire.

Destabilizing the region

The timing of this announcement is particularly concerning. Israel's recent attacks across the region, including in Qatar, Lebanon and Syria, have already heightened fears of broader conflict. By signaling that Saudi Arabia could access Pakistan's nuclear umbrella, the pact risks triggering a dangerous arms race. Other nations in the region may feel compelled to seek similar arrangements, further destabilizing an already fragile security environment.

Moreover, the ambiguity surrounding the pact's terms adds to the uncertainty. While both Pakistan and Saudi Arabia have avoided naming specific adversaries, the implicit message is clear: this is a signal to Israel and its allies. Such posturing does little to enhance security and instead increases the likelihood of miscalculation or unintended escalation.

Nuclear weapons are not just a regional issue, they are a global threat. The International Atomic Energy Agency (IAEA) has yet to comment on Pakistan's remarks, but the international community must take a firm stance against the inclusion of nuclear capabilities in defense agreements. Responsible nations must reject the normalization of nuclear rhetoric and work to de-escalate tensions.

History has shown that nuclear brinkmanship benefits no one. The Cuban Missile Crisis of 1962 brought the world to the brink of catastrophe, and it was only through diplomacy and restraint that disaster was averted. The lessons of the past are clear, nuclear weapons must remain a last resort, not a bargaining chip in defense pacts.

A call for restraint

The Pakistan-Saudi Arabia defense pact highlights the urgent need for responsible leadership. Nations must prioritize dialogue and diplomacy over threats and escalation. The introduction of nuclear rhetoric into defense agreements is a step in the wrong direction, one that risks undoing decades of progress in nuclear disarmament and nonproliferation.

The world can't afford to treat nuclear weapons as tools of deterrence or leverage. Their use would have catastrophic consequences, not just for the region but for humanity. It is the responsibility of all nations to ensure that nuclear war remains unthinkable.

Responsible nations must work together to reduce reliance on these weapons, promote transparency and strengthen global nonproliferation efforts. The path forward lies in dialogue, restraint and a shared commitment to peace.

Nuclear war is not an option, and the rhetoric surrounding it must be rejected at every turn. The stakes are too high for anything less.