Why Can’t Iran Have Nuclear Weapons Too?

New Delhi : The debate around Iran’s nuclear ambitions continues to stir intense global discussions, especially with growing comparisons to countries like Pakistan, which already possess nuclear weapons. The central question that many political analysts and common citizens alike are now raising is: if Pakistan and several other nations can have nuclear arsenals, why is Iran being constantly restricted from doing the same

This question challenges the very foundation of nuclear non-proliferation policies that have shaped global diplomacy since the end of World War II. The answer lies in a complex web of geopolitics, international trust, strategic alliances, and historical conflicts. Iran has long argued that its nuclear program is meant for peaceful energy purposes, yet many Western countries, led by the United States and supported by Israel, fear that Iran could divert its nuclear technology to develop atomic weapons

Pakistan, on the other hand, became a nuclear power in 1998, largely as a response to India’s nuclear capabilities. Despite initial global condemnation, it was gradually accepted as a de facto nuclear state. In contrast, Iran faces stricter scrutiny and sanctions, raising concerns of double standards in international nuclear policies

The primary reason cited by the West is Iran’s alleged support to various militant groups and its aggressive rhetoric against nations like Israel. This, they argue, makes Iran an unstable and potentially dangerous nuclear state. Moreover, the secretive nature of some of Iran’s nuclear activities in the past has eroded trust among international observers, leading to continuous surveillance and diplomatic pressure through the Joint Comprehensive Plan of Action (JCPOA)

Iran, meanwhile, maintains that it is unfairly targeted due to political bias and that it has every sovereign right to develop the same defense capabilities as other nations. Supporters of Iran’s nuclear rights argue that denying Iran the same privileges as other countries creates an imbalance in global power and promotes a selective, politically motivated nuclear order

As tensions rise again over uranium enrichment and renewed sanctions, the global community finds itself at a crossroads. Should the world move toward equal nuclear rights for all sovereign states, or continue enforcing a divided policy based on political alliances and perceived threats

The issue remains deeply divisive and highlights the broader struggle between national sovereignty and international control over nuclear capabilities in a world striving for security but mired in mistrust