Pakistan, Saudi Arabia mull action to halt Iran attacks

CDF Munir reassures Saudi leadership of full support

ISLAMABAD:

Pakistan and Saudi Arabia discussed joint measures to stop drone and missile attacks by Iran amid the ongoing regional war, it emerged on Saturday, in a significant diplomatic and security development.

The ISPR said Chief of Defense Forces and Chief of Army Staff Field Marshal Syed Asim Munir met Saudi Defence Minister Khalid bin Salman.

Field Marshal Syed Asim Munir travelled to Riyadh on Friday to reassure the Saudi leadership of Pakistan's support during the volatile situation.

During the meeting between the field marshal and the Saudi defence minister, according to the ISPR, the two dignitaries discussed "the gravity of the security situation accruing from Iranian drone and missile attacks on the kingdom and joint measures needed to halt them within the framework of the Strategic Mutual Defence Agreement".

It was emphasised that unprovoked aggression undermines efforts for regional security and stability and forecloses options for peaceful settlement of disputes.

"Both sides expressed hope and desire that brotherly country Iran would manifest prudence and sagacity to avoid any miscalculation and strengthen the hands of friendly countries seeking peaceful settlement of the crisis," the statement added.

In a post on X, the Saudi defence minister wrote: "Met with Pakistan's Chief of Army Staff and Chief of Defence Forces, Field Marshal Asim Munir. We discussed Iranian attacks on the Kingdom and the measures needed to halt them within the framework of our Joint Strategic Defence Agreement. We stressed that such actions undermine regional security and stability and expressed hope that the Iranian side will exercise wisdom and avoid miscalculation."

In September last year, Prime Minister Shehbaz Sharif and Saudi Crown Prince Mohammed bin Salman signed a "Strategic Mutual Defence Agreement" in Riyadh, pledging that "any attack on either nation would be treated as an act of aggression against both," in a mutual security commitment.

Pakistan, however, has been walking a diplomatic tightrope as tensions rise between Iran and Saudi Arabia, traditionally avoiding being drawn into conflicts between Muslim countries despite its longstanding strategic ties with Riyadh.

Diplomatic sources said Islamabad has already conveyed its concerns to Tehran and reminded Iranian officials of the defence agreement with Saudi Arabia.

In a series of statements, the Saudi defence ministry said it had thwarted repeated missile launches at an air base which houses US military personnel and drone attacks at a major oil field.

The Saudi defence ministry posted on X that "a ballistic missile launched towards Prince Sultan Air Base" southeast of the capital Riyadh was "intercepted and destroyed".

The official Saudi Press Agency later reported another missile attack at the same base, saying it was also intercepted, quoting a defence ministry spokesperson.

The news agency also reported at least 17 drone attacks targeting the Shaybah oil field near the Emirati border. The drones were "intercepted and destroyed", it said.

In a separate incident, two drones were intercepted east of Riyadh, according to the defence ministry.

With additional input from AFP