Saudi Counting on Embattled Pakistan to Help Stop Iranian Attacks

Saudi Arabia is calling on its strategic defence agreement with Pakistan to help stop Iranian drone and missile attacks against Saudi and U.S. installations within the Kingdom.

This follows the striking of the Prince Sultan Air Base in Saudi Arabia yesterday that caused significant damage, though official media says the attack was repelled by Saudi air defence.

Saudi Arabia’s Prince Salman Bin Mohammed posted on X, “I met with His Excellency the Chief of the Pakistan Army, Field Marshal Asim Munir, Commander of the Pakistani Defense Forces.

We discussed the Iranian attacks on the Kingdom within the framework of the strategic defense agreement between our two brotherly countries, and ways to stop these attacks that do not serve the interests of the region's security and stability, hoping that the Iranian side will prevail with wisdom and the voice of reason, and stay away from misguided calculations.”

As per the strategic defence agreement, either country should come to the help of the other should one of them be attacked by an external power.

However, it is doubtful whether Pakistan is equipped enough to stop Iranian missiles and drones that have been used to target mainly U.S. installations in Saudi Arabia besides oil facilities of the Arab American company (ARAMCO).

Besides, Pakistan is itself embroiled in the relatively low intensity conflict with neighbour Afghanistan that has caused it to commit men and equipment to border areas with Afghanistan.

In addition, since most military equipment in Pakistan is based on Chinese technology, Beijing may not allow it to strike Iran in any form given that it is believed to be covertly helping Tehran combat U.S. and Israeli bombardment.

Afghanistan’s Taliban forces have reported to have taken over several border posts from Pakistan control during the past week after fierce fighting.