Pakistan to Back Saudi Arabia Under Mutual Defence Pact if Iran War Escalates, Says Security Official
As the West Asia conflict continues to intensify, Pakistan has signalled it will stand firmly with Saudi Arabia invoking a mutual defence agreement if hostilities persist, a Pakistani security official told Reuters.
The official, speaking to the news agency, noted that Tehran has shown some flexibility in ongoing talks but continues to insist on preconditions. He confirmed that Islamabad would side with Riyadh under the terms of the existing defence agreement should the situation escalate further.
The statement aligns with the position Prime Minister Shehbaz Sharif staked out during his meeting with Saudi Crown Prince and Prime Minister last month. Following that visit, the Pakistani government issued a formal statement: “The Prime Minister expressed Pakistan’s full solidarity and support for the Kingdom of Saudi Arabia in these challenging times. He also assured His Royal Highness that Pakistan would always stand firmly with the Kingdom of Saudi Arabia and strive for their mutual desire for peace in the region.”
Pakistan, which has been playing the role of a mediator in the Iran conflict, now appears to have drawn a clear line on which side of the fence it stands if diplomacy breaks down.