NewKerala.com

Pakistan's Iran Ties Undermine Its US Alliance Status, Report Warns

A MEMRI report argues Pakistan's deepening diplomatic and strategic alignment with Iran directly contradicts its status as a U.S. Major Non-N-NATO Ally. It details high-level Pakistani support for Tehran, including votes at the UNHRC and the Defence Minister's firm backing, even after reported Iranian crackdowns. The report highlights Pakistan's alignment with Iran during and after the 2025 12-Day War against a US-Israel coalition. It concludes Pakistan is an unreliable broker and its privileged MNNA status with the U.S. should be reconsidered or revoked.

Key Points: Pakistan's Iran Support Challenges US Major Non-NATO Ally Status

  • Pakistan shields Iran diplomatically at UN
  • Defence Minister reaffirms unwavering support for Tehran
  • Hosted Iranian President post-conflict
  • Invited to US-led Board of Peace and Iran talks
  • Report calls for reconsidering its MNNA status
3 min read

Pakistan's loyalty to Iran undermines credibility as US ally: Report

Report says Pakistan's deepening ties with Iran, including diplomatic shielding and high-level visits, make it an unreliable US strategic partner.

"Pakistan has repeatedly demonstrated its unreliability as a strategic partner for the United States. - MEMRI Report"

Washington, Feb 5

Pakistan's public support for US adversary Iran - through lavish receptions, high-level meetings, and deepening ties - directly undermines its credibility as a Major Non-NATO Ally. Amid growing engagement with Tehran, Pakistan should be excluded from any international Board of Peace and barred from facilitating Washington-led negotiations with Iran, a report said on Thursday.

According to a report in the US-based Middle East Media Research Institute (MEMRI), Pakistan's routine diplomatic shielding of Iran makes it an unreliable broker. It added that Islamabad cannot be considered a genuine ally and its MNNA status warrants serious reconsideration and potential revocation.

"Pakistan holds Major Non-NATO Ally (MNNA) status with the United States, a designation that grants it privileged access to military cooperation and equipment. Furthermore, on January 15, 2026, the US-led intergovernmental organisation Board of Peace was established. On January 18, US President Donald Trump, acting as chair of the organisation, invited Pakistani Prime Minister Shehbaz Sharif to join it," the report detailed.

"Furthermore, Pakistan has been invited to participate in talks between Iran and the United States in Turkey on February 6. Islamabad is expected to play a facilitative role. However, Pakistan has repeatedly demonstrated its unreliability as a strategic partner for the United States," it stated.

The report emphasised that despite reports of mass killings of civilians by Iran, Pakistan's Defence Minister Khawaja Asif has reaffirmed his support for Tehran.

"On January 13, 2026, he emphasised that Iran has always been a dear neighbour and brother, and that its security and sovereignty are close to Pakistan's heart, while, on January 20, the Pakistani Defence Minister in a meeting with Iranian Ambassador to Islamabad Reza Amiri Moghadam said that Pakistan stands firmly by Iran in all circumstances," the report detailed.

"Furthermore, on January 24, Iranian Foreign Minister Abbas Araghchi thanked Pakistan for its support at the UN Human Rights Council after Islamabad voted against a resolution expanding an international investigation into Iran's violent crackdown on protests," it mentioned.

A clear example, the report noted, surfaced during the June 2025 12-Day War - a direct armed conflict between Iran and a coalition of Israel and the United States, with US forces joining aerial attacks on key Iranian nuclear sites -during which Pakistan firmly aligned with Iran, publicly expressing unwavering solidarity.

"This alignment continued and intensified in the aftermath of the conflict. Iranian President Masoud Pezeshkian visited Pakistan on August 2-3, 2025 - his first official foreign trip following the war. Officials, think tanks, and media in both countries widely hailed the visit as a major success, highlighting ambitions to raise annual bilateral trade," it highlighted.

- IANS

Share this article:

Reader Comments

S
Sarah B
From an international relations perspective, this is fascinating. Every sovereign nation has the right to pursue its own strategic interests. Pakistan shares a long border with Iran; stable relations are a necessity for them, not just a choice. The US report seems to ignore basic geopolitics.
A
Aditi M
Honestly, what did the US expect? Pakistan's ties with Iran are deep-rooted, beyond just government. There are cultural and religious linkages. You can't buy loyalty with military equipment. The US needs to understand that allies in our region have complex relationships.
R
Rohit P
The report is correct in its assessment. How can you be a "Major Non-NATO Ally" while openly supporting a country that is in direct conflict with your ally? It shows a lack of strategic integrity. India has maintained a far more balanced and principled foreign policy.
K
Karthik V
Let's be fair for a moment. Pakistan is in a tough neighbourhood. They have India on one side, Iran on another, and Afghanistan. They are trying to secure their interests. However, voting against investigating human rights abuses in Iran? That's where they lose moral ground. You can be strategic without being complicit.
N
Nisha Z
As an Indian, my primary concern is how this affects regional stability. A Pakistan that is too close to Iran could embolden certain elements. The US should reconsider its alliances carefully. Our government is right to focus on building strong, reliable partnerships with like-minded democracies.

We welcome thoughtful discussions from our readers. Please keep comments respectful and on-topic.

Leave a Comment

Minimum 50 characters 0/50