Pakistan on Brink of Iran War? Saudi Defense Pact Raises Stakes Amid Gulf Conflict
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Firstpost•05-03-2026, 10:05
Pakistan on Brink of Iran War? Saudi Defense Pact Raises Stakes Amid Gulf Conflict
•Pakistan's Foreign Minister Ishaq Dar linked the Strategic Mutual Defence Agreement (SMDA) with Saudi Arabia to the escalating Iran conflict.
•The SMDA, formalized in September 2025, considers an attack on one party an attack on the other, raising questions about Pakistan's nuclear protection for Saudi Arabia.
•Recent Iranian drone strikes on Saudi targets, including the US embassy in Riyadh and oil facilities, have heightened tensions and pressure on Saudi Arabia.
•Pakistan faces a complex dilemma due to its deep ties in the Gulf, a significant Shia population, and ongoing border clashes with the Taliban in Afghanistan.
•While PM Shehbaz Sharif expressed solidarity with Saudi Arabia, Defence Minister Khawaja Asif made strong anti-Zionist remarks, highlighting internal divisions.