Why Pakistan Must Not Abandon China and Regional Allies to Pursue US Interests in Iran — A Strategic Miscalculation can Harm Pakistani Interests Analysis! Iran has become a focal point of global strategic competition, with two clearly defined blocs emerging. On one side are China, Russia, and key Islamic and regional neighbors including Pakistan, all of whom have long-standing economic, security, and geopolitical interests in Iran. On the other side stand the United States, Western powers, and Israel, whose strategic interests not only diverge from Iran’s but are often openly hostile. In this sensitive context, Pakistan faces a critical foreign policy crossroad: whether to align itself with its traditional and regional allies or bend under pressure to support US-led strategies aimed at isolating Iran. Iran shares a 960-kilometer-long border with Pakistan, making it a natural regional partner. Besides cultural, religious, and linguistic ties, both countries share economic corridors, energy trade potential, and common interests in regional stability — particularly in Afghanistan and the Gulf. China, under its Belt and Road Initiative (BRI), views Iran as a vital transit and energy node, directly linking West Asia to South and Central Asia. Russia, too, seeks strategic depth in the Persian Gulf and has cooperated with Iran in Syria and beyond. For Pakistan, continued coordination with Iran complements its deeper strategic alignment with China (CPEC) and a balancing posture in regional affairs. US-Israel Strategic Interests in Iran: Containment and Control In stark contrast, the United States and Israel view Iran as a threat to their hegemonic influence in the Middle East. Their objective is not coexistence or partnership but containment and regime transformation. The US has crippled Iran with sanctions, promoted regional alliances like the Abraham Accords to isolate Tehran, and has repeatedly hinted at military options to “neutralize” Iran’s nuclear capabilities. For Israel, Iran represents an existential threat due to its support for groups like Hezbollah and its nuclear ambitions. These are not interests that can align with those of Iran’s neighbors, especially Pakistan. Why Abandoning China and Regional Bloc Would Be a Strategic Blunder for Pakistan If Pakistan chooses to prioritize US-Israeli interests in Iran over its regional alliances, it risks severe strategic isolation. Firstly, it would undermine CPEC and its strategic partnership with China, which has invested tens of billions in Pakistan’s infrastructure and considers Iran a parallel link in its westward expansion. Secondly, alienating Iran could lead to border insecurity, Shia-Sunni tensions, and loss of diplomatic maneuverability in the Gulf. Thirdly, such a shift would weaken Pakistan’s credibility among other Islamic countries — especially those resisting Western dominance. Moreover, the US is an unreliable strategic partner, often pursuing short-term interests and regime-change politics. History has shown that American engagement rarely benefits countries in the long run unless they are part of its core strategic bloc. Pakistan must learn from the examples of Libya, Iraq, and even Afghanistan — all of whom suffered after aligning too closely with Washington’s plans. Conclusion: In today’s volatile geopolitical climate, Pakistan must craft an independent and interest-based foreign policy, not one dictated by Western narratives. Its security, economic, and cultural future lies in regional cooperation, particularly with China, Iran, Turkey, Central Asia, and Russia. Aligning with the US in its confrontation with Iran would not only alienate these partners but could also drag Pakistan into a regional conflict with devastating consequences. In short, pursuing US strategic interests in Iran at the cost of regional and ideological partnerships would be a grave mistake — one that Pakistan can ill afford. Visit republicpolicy.com for details.