Pakistan faces increasing pressure from regional rivals in Middle East conflict

Pakistan Struggles to Balance Relations with Riyadh and Tehran Amid Escalating Conflict in the Region

Islamabad, Pakistan – The ongoing conflict between Iran and its regional adversaries has significant implications for Pakistan, which shares a border with Iran and has close ties with Saudi Arabia. Six Gulf countries have also been targeted by Iranian missiles and drones, further complicating the situation.

Pakistan’s formal mutual defense agreement with Riyadh, signed in September last year, commits both parties to treat aggression against each other as aggression against both. The agreement was seen as a significant step towards strengthening ties between the two nations.

In response to US-Israeli strikes that killed Iranian Supreme Leader Ali Khamenei, Pakistan condemned the attacks and also criticized Iran’s retaliatory strikes on Gulf states. Deputy Prime Minister and Foreign Minister Ishaq Dar engaged in “shuttle communication” with Tehran and Riyadh, seeking assurances from Saudi Arabia regarding its defense obligations.

Iranian Ambassador to Saudi Arabia Alireza Enayati welcomed Saudi Arabia’s pledge not to allow its airspace or territory to be used during the ongoing war with the US and Israel. However, just one day later, Saudi Arabia confirmed that it had intercepted three ballistic missiles targeting its Prince Sultan Air Base.

Pakistan’s Field Marshal Asim Munir met with Saudi Defense Minister Prince Khalid bin Salman in Riyadh, discussing Iranian attacks on the kingdom and measures needed to halt them within the framework of their mutual defense pact. Analysts warn that Pakistan’s tightrope walk between two close partners could become increasingly challenging as the conflict escalates.

The Strategic Mutual Defence Agreement signed by Crown Prince Mohammed bin Salman and Prime Minister Shehbaz Sharif in September last year has been a significant commitment for Pakistan, with its central clause stating that any aggression against either country shall be considered aggression against both.

Source: Al Jazeera