Will America Seize Iran's Nuclear Arsenal and Store It in Pakistan? 

International News: Former Pentagon official Michael Rubin has stirred a controversial yet intriguing theory—suggesting the U.S. might launch a mission to seize Iran’s nuclear arsenal and potentially secure it within Pakistan. At first glance, the idea may sound far-fetched. But strategic trends, military logistics, and the shifting geopolitics of the Middle East make this theory less impossible than it seems. Rubin, a seasoned analyst at the American Enterprise Institute, believes this scenario aligns with longstanding U.S. motives to prevent Iran from becoming a nuclear power—at any cost.

Hidden Strategy or Far-Sighted Move?

Rubin emphasizes that even though Iran and Pakistan occasionally cooperate, they are essentially regional rivals. Tehran’s Shia identity and Islamabad’s Sunni-backed politics, coupled with Iran’s independent military ambitions, have often kept the two nations at odds. If the U.S. does make a military move to halt Tehran’s nuclear progress, Pakistan might actually benefit—both strategically and economically. It could gain international favor, military leverage, and American funding in return for logistical support.

A Rival’s Gain Is A Bargainer’s Opportunity

The speculation gains fuel in the backdrop of a recent but unofficial meeting between former U.S. President Donald Trump and Pakistan's Army Chief General Asim Munir. Though both parties officially denied discussing Iran, insiders hint that nuclear containment and regional stability were key talking points. The meeting has raised eyebrows in Tel Aviv, Riyadh, and even Brussels. It’s not just about a bilateral handshake anymore—it’s a regional signal.

Trump-Munir Meeting: Just Optics or Something Deeper?

America’s interest in stopping Iran's nuclear journey is hardly new. But the idea of confiscating and relocating nukes is bold—even by U.S. military standards. For this to work, Washington would need airtight coordination, stealth intelligence, and on-ground assurance from regional players. And Pakistan, with its experience in handling nuclear protocols, may be considered a “less risky” neighbor to hold such sensitive material—if the mission ever occurs.

From Prevention to Possession: A Shift in U.S. Tactics?

This strategy, however, won’t come without risks. Tehran may perceive such a move as an open act of war, triggering retaliation not just against Washington but also Islamabad. The Shia-majority population in Pakistan and its borders with Iran could be flashpoints of unrest. Moreover, such a move would also invite scrutiny from China and Russia, both of whom have ties with Iran and may not welcome U.S. dominance in their strategic backyard.

A Dangerous Gamble in the Nuclear Chessboard

If America even considers this path, it would redefine nuclear diplomacy, shift South Asian alignments, and test the boundaries of military audacity. Whether the Trump-Munir alignment was just about diplomatic catch-up or a prelude to a high-stakes containment mission remains uncertain. But one thing is clear—conversations once unthinkable are now taking shape in Washington's war rooms.