ISLAMABAD - Pakistan says it will stand with Saudi Arabia under their mutual defence pact if the conflict in the Middle East worsens.
A Pakistani security official told Reuters this week that Pakistan would act in solidarity with Riyadh should the war escalate further. The statement came hours after Iran launched missile and drone strikes on Saudi energy facilities in the country’s eastern region. The attack targeted a petrochemical complex in Jubail.
Pakistan’s Ministry of Foreign Affairs condemned the strikes. It called them a serious violation of Saudi Arabia’s sovereignty and a dangerous escalation that undermines regional stability. Pakistan also offered condolences for the loss of life and damage to infrastructure.
Prime Minister Shehbaz Sharif spoke with Saudi Crown Prince Mohammed bin Salman after the attack. He reaffirmed Pakistan’s support and said Pakistan would stand “shoulder to shoulder” with the kingdom. The prime minister also briefed the crown prince on Islamabad’s ongoing mediation efforts between Iran and the United States.
Pakistan’s military leadership also weighed in. At the 274th Corps Commanders’ Conference, the army condemned the attacks on Saudi sites as an unnecessary escalation. The commanders warned that such actions could undermine peace and mediation efforts in the region.
The Strategic Mutual Defence Agreement was signed in Riyadh on September 17, 2025. Under the pact, an attack on either country is considered an attack on both. The agreement also covers joint deterrence, intelligence sharing and military training.
Pakistan has been trying to mediate between Iran and the US. It has put forward a five-point peace initiative with China and offered Islamabad as a venue for talks. Those efforts have yet to produce a breakthrough. Iran has shown flexibility but continues to insist on preconditions, according to the Pakistani security official.
The defence pact has not been invoked so far, despite repeated attacks on Saudi Arabia. But Pakistan has made clear that its position would change if the conflict escalates further.