Ex-CIA Officer John Kiriakou Urges Pakistan to Avoid War with India, Reveals Pentagon’s Role in Islamabad’s Nuclear Control

Washington / New Delhi: Former CIA officer John Kiriakou, who once led counter-terrorism operations in Pakistan, has advised Islamabad to reach a strategic understanding that it stands to gain nothing from engaging in a war with India.

Speaking to news agency ANI, Kiriakou recalled that following the 2001 Parliament attack in New Delhi, the Central Intelligence Agency believed that the two nuclear-armed neighbours were on the brink of war.

“Nothing—literally nothing good—will come of an actual war between India and Pakistan because the Pakistanis will lose,” Kiriakou said. “I’m not even referring to nuclear weapons; I mean a conventional war. There is simply no benefit to constantly provoking India.”

‘Pentagon Had Control Over Pakistani Nuclear Arsenal’

In a startling revelation, Kiriakou disclosed that during his posting in Pakistan in 2002, he was informed unofficially that the Pentagon held control over Pakistan’s nuclear arsenal.

When asked whether this information had been shared with New Delhi, Kiriakou responded, “I doubt the Americans ever told India that the control of Pakistani nukes also lies with the US, given how strongly Pakistan has maintained its claim of full sovereignty over its nuclear weapons.”

He further elaborated that the U.S. State Department had quietly cautioned both nations during that tense period:

“If you’re going to fight, fight. Keep it short and keep it non-nuclear. Because if nuclear weapons are introduced, the whole world will change.”

According to Kiriakou, such behind-the-scenes diplomacy helped ensure restraint on both sides.

Meanwhile, sources noted that New Delhi had also conveyed a firm warning to Islamabad, making it clear that India would not tolerate any form of nuclear blackmail.