ISLAMABAD: Defence Minister Khawaja Muhammad Asif has said the war on Iran is part of a broader plan to extend Israeli influence closer to Pakistan’s borders, alleging that the conflict was imposed on Tehran despite its willingness to reach an agreement.

In a post on social media platform X, Khawaja Asif described Zionism as a threat to humanity and claimed that major crises in the Islamic world have reflected Israeli state influence since the creation of Israel on Palestinian territory.

The defence minister alleged that Iran had shown readiness to agree to a deal but war was nevertheless imposed as part of what he termed a Zionist-driven agenda. He further claimed that the objective of the conflict includes pushing Israeli influence toward Pakistan’s frontiers.

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Khawaja Asif also said Zionism has dominated the global economic system for decades and that major powers remain influenced by it. He did not provide specific evidence for the claims.

Referring to Pakistan’s security posture, the minister noted that the country is a nuclear power and said its armed forces are respected internationally. He paid tribute to the country’s martyrs and veterans for safeguarding national sovereignty and acknowledged the leadership that oversaw Pakistan’s nuclear tests, including former prime minister Nawaz Sharif.

The defence minister further asserted that Afghanistan, Iran and India share what he described as a common agenda against Pakistan aimed at undermining its security. He urged national unity, calling on citizens to remain vigilant and cohesive despite internal differences.

Khawaja Asif concluded his remarks by expressing support for Palestinian freedom and calling for unity within the Muslim world.

No immediate response to the minister’s statements was available from the countries mentioned.