Defence Minister Khawaja Asif stated on Tuesday that the war against Iran, despite Tehran’s willingness to reach an agreement, is part of a broader “Zionist agenda.” He believes this agenda aims to extend Israel’s influence to Pakistan’s borders, effectively encircling the nation with hostile entities.

In a post on X, Asif urged all Pakistanis, irrespective of their political or religious backgrounds, to recognize this alleged conspiracy and the intentions of what he termed “our eternal enemies.” The ongoing conflict in the Middle East has seen an escalation, with Israel targeting Iran and Tehran responding with attacks on “US interests and bases” across Gulf states. During this period, senior Iranian figures, including Supreme Leader Ayatollah Ali Khamenei, were reportedly martyred in what Iran described as “unprovoked and unwarranted” airstrikes by Israel and the United States.

Iranian officials have cautioned that the martyrdom of Khamenei could be a significant turning point, with the Revolutionary Guard vowing retribution and stating that “this great crime will not go unpunished.”

Asif further characterized Zionism as a threat to humanity, asserting that since Israel’s establishment in Palestine, every major crisis and imposed war in the Islamic world has involved the direct or indirect influence of Zionist ideology and the Israeli state. He claimed that Zionism has manipulated the global economic system for a century, holding major world powers hostage.

Highlighting Pakistan’s strategic capabilities, the minister noted its status as a nuclear power, with the strength of its armed forces acknowledged globally. He credited the nation’s “martyrs and ghazis” for protecting Pakistan’s sovereignty and expressed gratitude for those instrumental in making the country a nuclear state. Asif also paid tribute to former Prime Minister Nawaz Sharif for his courage in conducting nuclear tests, which he said demonstrated Pakistan’s nuclear capability to the world.

Reiterating his point on Iran, Asif emphasized that war was imposed on a nation ready for a peaceful resolution. He warned that the Zionist-orchestrated conflict aims to advance Israel’s influence to Pakistan’s borders. This, he fears, could lead to a coordinated strategy involving Afghanistan, Iran, and India directed against Pakistan, resulting in heightened hostility, insecure borders, encirclement by adversaries, and the potential for Pakistan to become a “vassal state.”

The minister concluded with prayers for unity within the Islamic world, the ability to identify enemies, the freedom of Palestine, and the continued strength and safety of Pakistan until the Day of Judgment. He also prayed for divine protection for those safeguarding the country.