United States Imposes Sanctions after Pakistan’s Nuclear Tests

Bill Clinton ordered sanctions against Pakistan on 30 May 1998, two days after its nuclear test. Pakistan had followed India’s tests that month, bringing the two rivals’ nuclear capabilities to the center of American diplomacy. [1] [2]

The Arms Export Control Act required penalties intended to discourage the spread of nuclear weapons. Washington had already imposed them on India, cutting assistance, military sales, and government credit. Clinton directed American agencies to apply the same statutory restrictions to Pakistan, constraining cooperation with an established partner. [2] [1]

Strobe Talbott held talks with both governments as Congress granted the president limited authority to waive sanctions. In November, Clinton used that authority after the administration reported progress, including declared moratoria on further testing. He eased the restrictions selectively; Pakistan’s weapons program and the danger of another confrontation with India remained unresolved. [3]

Related Diplomats

1. Riaz Hussain Khokhar [4]
2. Naresh Chandra [5] [6] [7]

Related Reading

• Pakistan and the United States