Pakistan enters the fray: Islamabad warns Tehran it will defend Saudi Arabia 'at all costs'

Tension in the Middle East continues to escalate dangerously and uncontrollably as the conflict between Iran and Western allies expands across the Persian Gulf region. Within this highly combustible environment, a new dimension has been added to the crisis: the direct involvement of Pakistan in the diplomatic and strategic power game.

Islamabad has sent a clear message to Tehran, reminding it of the strategic defense pact it has signed with Saudi Arabia. This message, delivered directly by Deputy Prime Minister and Foreign Minister Ishaq Dar, aims to deter further Iranian attacks against Saudi targets.

Dar’s statement during a press conference in Islamabad revealed that Pakistan has officially informed Iran of the obligations arising from the strategic mutual defense agreement with Riyadh. Meanwhile, Tehran responded that Saudi Arabia must ensure its territory is not used for attacks against Iran. This exchange demonstrates how fragile the balance of power in the Middle East is and how easily a regional crisis can evolve into a wider conflict.

The Pakistan – Saudi Arabia strategic agreement

The basis of the Pakistani warning lies in the agreement signed between Pakistan and Saudi Arabia on September 17, 2025: the so-called Strategic Joint Defense Agreement. This pact stipulates that any attack against one country is considered an attack against the other.

The agreement covers a wide range of military cooperation, including:

• Joint military operations

• Defense technology transfer

• Coordinated deterrent strategies

Although the pact does not explicitly mention nuclear cooperation, Pakistan has hinted that it is ready to extend its nuclear deterrence to protect Saudi Arabia. In other words, Riyadh may now sit under Pakistan's nuclear "umbrella."

A decades-long alliance

The relationship between the two countries is not a recent development. Pakistan and Saudi Arabia have been close allies for more than fifty years. Since the 1980s, Riyadh has funneled billions of dollars to support Pakistan's economy and military.

In exchange, Pakistani military forces train the Saudi army, provide expertise in various military sectors, and maintain close cooperation on security issues. The new 2025 agreement is considered the culmination of this long-standing strategic relationship.

Common interest for both sides

According to an analysis by former Air Force officer MJ Augustine Vinod published in the EurAsian Times, the pact constitutes a classic mutual benefit agreement. Saudi Arabia gains a powerful strategic deterrent, avoids the need to develop its own nuclear program, and reduces pressure from the US and the West.

For Pakistan, it clears the path for billions of dollars in armament programs, strengthens its economy, and helps address a public debt approaching $100 billion.

India's concern

However, the agreement is causing intense concern in India. New Delhi believes that the extension of Pakistani nuclear deterrence to Saudi Arabia creates a state of "nuclear ambiguity" in the Middle East.

According to Indian analysts, this may encourage Pakistan in future confrontations with India, as it will feel it possesses greater strategic depth.

The new phase of the Persian Gulf crisis

At the same time, the situation in the Persian Gulf is becoming increasingly dangerous. The US Embassy in Riyadh warned of an imminent attack on the city of Dhahran, home to critical Saudi Arabian energy facilities.

The announcement cited a threat from ballistic missiles and unmanned aerial vehicles. American authorities urged citizens to avoid the consulate area and remain in safe shelters.

Attack on the US Embassy in Riyadh

A few hours before the warning, two drones attacked the US Embassy in Riyadh. According to a statement from the Saudi Ministry of Defense, the drones caused a small fire and limited material damage.

The embassy confirmed the attack and announced a temporary closure of its facilities.

Attacks expand across the Gulf

The attacks were not limited to Saudi Arabia. In the United Arab Emirates, authorities announced they are dealing with a wave of ballistic missiles launched from Iran.

In Qatar, the military announced it shot down two ballistic missiles in the early morning hours. The attacks have struck ports, airports, hotels, residential areas, and military bases. The region of the Gulf oil-producing states is now at the center of an extended military confrontation.

Strike at the energy heart of Saudi Arabia

One of the most serious attacks occurred at the Ras Tanura refinery. The complex, owned by energy giant Saudi Aramco, is one of the largest refineries in the Middle East.

Following a drone attack, the refinery was placed under partial operational suspension, sparking concern in international energy markets. Ras Tanura is a key hub for Saudi Arabian oil exports.

Saudi Arabian air defense in full action

Saudi air defense forces announced they intercepted more than a dozen drones. According to Defense Ministry spokesperson Turki al-Malki, eight drones were destroyed near the cities of Riyadh and Al Kharj.

The attacks indicate that Iran is seeking to increase pressure on the Gulf oil-producing countries.

A dangerous geopolitical crossroads

The conflict in the Persian Gulf has reached a critical point. Pakistan's involvement through the defense pact with Saudi Arabia adds a new dimension to the already complex geopolitical landscape.

If the crisis continues to escalate, there is a risk it will turn into a wider regional conflict involving Iran, Saudi Arabia, Pakistan, and the US, as well as other states in the region. The Middle East finds itself once again in a delicate balance between war and deterrence—and the next moves by the major powers will determine whether the region leads to a general conflagration or a fragile de-escalation.

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