Latest news with #ForeignAffairs'
Hans India
11 hours ago
- Business
- Hans India
New Nuclear Threat: Pak developing ballistic missile that could hit US
Washington/New Delhi: The Pakistani military is secretively developing a nuclear-tipped intercontinental ballistic missile (ICBM) that could reach the United States, according to intelligence agencies in Washington. The report by 'Foreign Affairs' comes amid reports that Pakistan was looking to upgrade its nuclear arsenal with support from China after India's Operation Sindoor. The report, quoting US officials, said if Pakistan goes on to acquire such a missile, Washington would designate the country as a nuclear adversary. Any nation possessing nuclear weapons that is considered a potential threat or opponent of the US is seen as a nuclear adversary. Presently, Russia, China and North Korea are considered adversarial to the US. "If Pakistan acquires an ICBM, Washington will have no choice but to treat the country as a nuclear adversary. No other country with ICBMs that can target the United States is considered a friend," the report quoted US officials as saying. Pakistan has always claimed that its nuclear program was strictly focused on deterring India. Its policy has been focused on developing short and medium-range missiles. Intercontinental Ballistic Missiles (ICBMs), which can be armed with both nuclear and conventional warheads, are capable of hitting targets over 5,500 km. Presently, Pakistan has no ICBMs. In 2022, Pakistan tested the surface-to-surface medium-range ballistic missile Shaheen-III, which can hit targets over 2,700 km, bringing a number of Indian cities under its range. In developing an intercontinental ballistic missile, Pakistan might be looking to deter the US from trying to eliminate its nuclear arsenal in case of a preventive attack and also prevent it from intervening on India's behalf if both the neighbouring countries clash again. The issue is being viewed with concern by the US. Last year, Washington imposed fresh sanctions related to Pakistan's long-range ballistic-missile program. The sanctions were slapped on the National Development Complex, the state-owned defence agency overseeing the missile program, and three other firms. It froze any US property belonging to the entities and barred American firms from doing business with them. While Pakistan called the move "biased", the US action was based on a State Department factsheet that said Islamabad sought to obtain components for its long-range ballistic-missile program. Pakistan, which possesses around 170 nuclear warheads, is not a signatory to the Nuclear Non-Proliferation Treaty (NPT). The treaty is aimed at preventing the spread of nuclear weapons and promoting peaceful uses of nuclear energy. The fresh development comes after the latest World Threat Assessment report by the US said Pakistan, rattled by India's Operation Sindoor, was obtaining materials and technology for developing weapons of mass destruction from China. During last month's hostilities, India destroyed nine terror camps and targeted 11 vital airbases deep inside Pakistan. There were reports that Pakistan fired Fatah-II, a hypersonic ballistic missile, towards India. However, the missile was intercepted by India's robust air defence systems.
India Today
a day ago
- Politics
- India Today
Pak working on long-range nuclear ballistic missile that can reach US: Report
The Pakistani military is secretively developing a nuclear-tipped intercontinental ballistic missile (ICBM) that could reach the United States, according to intelligence agencies in Washington. The report by 'Foreign Affairs' comes amid reports that Pakistan was looking to upgrade its nuclear arsenal with support from China after India's Operation report, quoting US officials, said if Pakistan goes on to acquire such a missile, Washington would designate the country as a nuclear nation possessing nuclear weapons that is considered a potential threat or opponent of the US is seen as a nuclear adversary. Presently, Russia, China and North Korea are considered adversarial to the US. "If Pakistan acquires an ICBM, Washington will have no choice but to treat the country as a nuclear adversary. No other country with ICBMs that can target the United States is considered a friend," the report quoted US officials as NUCLEAR ARSENALPakistan has always claimed that its nuclear program was strictly focused on deterring India. Its policy has been focused on developing short- and medium-range Ballistic Missiles (ICBMs), which can be armed with both nuclear and conventional warheads, are capable of hitting targets over 5,500 km. Presently, Pakistan has no 2022, Pakistan tested the surface-to-surface medium-range ballistic missile Shaheen-III, which can hit targets over 2,700 km, bringing a number of Indian cities under its developing an intercontinental ballistic missile, Pakistan might be looking to deter the US from trying to eliminate its nuclear arsenal in case of a preventive attack, and also prevent it from intervening on India's behalf if both the neighbouring countries clash SANCTIONSThe issue is being viewed with concern by the US. Last year, Washington imposed fresh sanctions related to Pakistan's long-range ballistic-missile sanctions were slapped on the National Development Complex, the state-owned defence agency overseeing the missile program, and three other firms. It froze any US property belonging to the entities and barred American firms from doing business with Pakistan called the move "biased", the US action was based on a State Department factsheet that said Islamabad sought to obtain components for its long-range ballistic-missile which possesses around 170 nuclear warheads, is not a signatory to the Nuclear Non-Proliferation Treaty (NPT). The treaty is aimed at preventing the spread of nuclear weapons and promoting peaceful uses of nuclear SINDOORThe fresh development comes after the latest World Threat Assessment report by the US said Pakistan, rattled by India's Operation Sindoor, was obtaining materials and technology for developing weapons of mass destruction from last month's hostilities, India destroyed nine terror camps and targeted 11 vital airbases deep inside were reports that Pakistan fired Fatah-II, a hypersonic ballistic missile, towards India. However, the missile was intercepted by India's robust air defence then, several ministers, including Defence Minister Rajnath Singh, have urged the International Atomic Energy Agency (IAEA) to monitor Pakistan's nuclear arsenal. Rajnath Singh has asserted that Pakistan could be trusted with such weapons.- EndsTune InMust Watch
Roya News
03-03-2025
- Business
- Roya News
Aoun arrives in Riyadh to strengthen Lebanon-Saudi relations
Lebanese President Joseph Aoun arrived Monday in Riyadh, marking his first official visit outside Lebanon since his election as President. The visit is in response to an invitation from Saudi Crown Prince Mohammed bin Salman. In a statement following his arrival, President Aoun expressed his happiness about the visit, viewing it as an opportunity to strengthen the historical ties between the two countries and to reaffirm Lebanon's appreciation for Saudi Arabia's role in supporting its stability, security, and the functioning of its constitutional institutions. He also praised the assistance provided by Saudi Arabia to Lebanon in various sectors, stressing the importance of furthering mutual cooperation. President Aoun expressed his anticipation for his meeting with Crown Prince Mohammed bin Salman later this evening, which is expected to pave the way for a future visit where agreements will be signed to enhance bilateral cooperation. He also thanked Saudi Arabia for hosting the Lebanese community, which has contributed significantly to the Kingdom's development over the years. Official Reception at King Khalid Airport President Aoun's plane landed at King Khalid International Airport in Riyadh at 3:00 PM Saudi time, where he was welcomed by the Deputy Governor of Riyadh, Prince Mohammed bin Abdulrahman bin Abdulaziz, along with Riyadh Mayor Prince Faisal bin Ayaf Al Saud, Minister of Commerce Dr. Majed Al-Qasabi, and several other Saudi officials. Among them were Prince Yazid bin Farhan, the Minister of Foreign Affairs' advisor and head of the Lebanese Affairs Committee, Riyadh Police Director General Major General Mansour Al-Otaibi, Royal Protocol Agent Fahad Al-Sahil, Saudi Ambassador to Lebanon Walid Bukhari, and Lebanese Ambassador to Saudi Arabia Fawzi Kabbara. Official Talks This Evening at Al-Yamamah Palace After his arrival, President Aoun headed to the presidential lounge at the airport for a brief rest before heading to his residence at the Ritz-Carlton Hotel. The President is scheduled to hold official talks with Crown Prince Mohammed bin Salman at Al-Yamamah Palace at 10:00 PM, where they will discuss bilateral issues and regional developments of mutual interest.
