Gossip Column
Ambassador Roland M. Timerbaev was one of the authors of the NPT and founders of the international nuclear nonproliferation regime, a Soviet and Russian Ambassador, and our colleague at PIR Center for many years (1994–2010). He often became bored and restless at major international conferences because he did not like to listen to the platitudes that were often repeated there and was very happy to have coffee breaks. It was live communication with real people — exactly what he really valued — and the opportunity to learn the latest news, as well as unconfirmed information and “expert gossip” in the corridors, on the sidelines, over coffee… Ambassador Timerbaev would joyfully say at such moments: “Well, now is the time for some good gossip”.
Hence the title of this column. PIR Center is not responsible for the accuracy of what our employees and authors heard in the corridors and on the margins of the conferences and told us without reference to the source. Although we know what these sources are.
We’ve heard that the bilateral relations between Pakistan and Saudi Arabia may possess a nuclear dimension...
We’ve heard that the bilateral relations between Pakistan and Saudi Arabia may possess a nuclear dimension. The historical trajectory of their engagement demonstrates that the issue of nuclear weapons and security guarantees has consistently emerged on the bilateral agenda, as systematically reported by sources of varying credibility. The Strategic Mutual Defense Agreement has renewed interest in this matter, while the escalation surrounding Iran in February 2026 has prompted regional actors to seriously reconsider their posture toward nuclear weapons. Although current reports indicate Saudi attempts to propose a non-aggression pact in the Middle East, it remains highly plausible that a reassessment of the role of nuclear weapons is already underway, specifically between Pakistan and Saudi Arabia.
Keywords: Pakistan; Saudi Arabia; Nuclear nonproliferation
NPT
E16/SHAH – 26/05/16
