Amid Middle East tensions, Asim Munir meets Saudi Defence Minister: Is an ‘Islamic NATO’ in the works?

Pakistan Backs Saudi Arabia Amid Iran Tensions: Asim Munir, Khalid bin Salman Discuss Defence Pact Measures

Amid rising Iran–Israel tensions, Pakistan appears to be balancing its regional ties as Field Marshal Asim Munir held high-level security talks with Khalid bin Salman in Riyadh, signalling strategic support for Saudi Arabia amid escalating tensions with Iran.

The meeting comes days after Saudi Arabia’s Aramco oil refinery was hit and after US-Israel joint strikes killed Iran’s Ali Khamenei, triggering Tehran to launch retaliatory military actions across the Middle East and raising fears of a wider regional conflict.

Saudi Defence Minister Khalid bin Salman said the talks focused on the security situation in the region and the growing threat posed by Iranian military actions. According to Saudi officials, both sides discussed ways to counter these threats under the existing strategic defence agreement between Pakistan and Saudi Arabia.

“We discussed Iranian attacks on the Kingdom and the measures needed to halt them within the framework of our Joint Strategic Defense Agreement,” Khalid bin Salman said, adding that such actions threaten regional stability.

He further stressed the importance of avoiding escalation. “We stressed that such actions undermine regional security and stability and expressed hope that the Iranian side will exercise wisdom and avoid miscalculation.”

Pakistan assures strategic and defence support

According to security sources familiar with the discussions, Pakistan’s army chief assured the Saudi leadership that Islamabad remains ready to provide strategic and defence support if the kingdom’s security comes under threat.

The talks also focused on strengthening military coordination and operational cooperation between the two countries during the ongoing Middle East crisis. Officials discussed mechanisms for closer intelligence sharing, enhanced defence cooperation and coordinated responses to emerging regional threats.

Strategic defence pact in focus

The discussions took place under the framework of a strategic defence agreement signed by Pakistan and Saudi Arabia in 2025, which significantly expanded military cooperation between the two countries.

The pact is based on what officials described as the “historic partnership” between the two nations and aims to strengthen joint defence capabilities and deterrence against external aggression.

“This agreement ... aims to develop aspects of defence cooperation between the two countries and strengthen joint deterrence against any aggression,” the joint statement on the pact said.

The agreement also states that aggression against one country could be treated as aggression against both, reinforcing the depth of defence cooperation between the two allies.

Pakistan’s balancing act

Pakistan has historically maintained strong political, economic and defence ties with Saudi Arabia, including cooperation in military training, intelligence sharing and strategic coordination.

However, Islamabad also maintains relations with Iran, making its position during the current crisis particularly delicate.

Analysts say Pakistan is likely to continue supporting Saudi Arabia politically and diplomatically while avoiding direct military involvement in the conflict.

Experts note that the Pakistan-Saudi defence pact focuses mainly on conventional cooperation such as joint exercises, intelligence sharing and defence coordination rather than binding military deployment commitments.

Pakistan Prime Minister Shehbaz Sharif has already expressed “full solidarity” with Saudi Arabia in a phone call with Crown Prince Mohammed bin Salman, while emphasising support for peace and diplomatic efforts to prevent further escalation.

Observers say Islamabad is expected to limit its role to diplomatic backing, logistical cooperation, and security coordination rather than sending troops, as deeper military involvement could risk drawing Pakistan into a wider regional war.