Pakistan’s Chief of Defence Forces, Field Marshal Syed Asim Munir, and Saudi Arabia’s Defence Minister, Prince Khalid bin Salman, held a high-level meeting focused on addressing recent Iranian attacks targeting the kingdom. The discussions were framed within the joint strategic defense agreement between the two nations.
Discussions on Regional Security and Stability
In a statement released on social media platform X, Prince Khalid bin Salman confirmed the meeting’s agenda was to “discuss the Iranian attacks on the kingdom” and explore “ways to stop these attacks, which do not serve the security and stability of the region.” He expressed hope that Iran would “prioritise wisdom and reason and refrain from wrong calculations.”
Escalating Tensions in the Middle East
The military dialogue follows a significant escalation in Middle Eastern tensions. This surge began after the United States and Israel launched attacks on Iran on February 28. In retaliation, Tehran targeted US bases across the Gulf region, including locations in Saudi Arabia, using missiles and drones.
The Strategic Mutual Defence Agreement
The talks were held under the framework of the landmark Strategic Mutual Defence Agreement (SMDA) signed by Pakistan and Saudi Arabia in September of the previous year. This pact, inked by Prime Minister Shehbaz Sharif and Crown Prince Mohammed bin Salman, formally treats an attack on either country as an act of aggression against both, solidifying their long-standing security partnership.
Recent Incidents and Denials
The Saudi Defence Ministry reported intercepting a number of drones targeting the Shayba oil field in the Empty Quarter. Separately, a drone attack caused a minor fire at the US embassy in Riyadh earlier in the week, though no casualties were reported. Iran’s ambassador to Saudi Arabia, Alireza Enayati, has categorically denied any Iranian involvement in the embassy incident, stating, “We confirmed that Iran has no role in the attack on the US embassy in Riyadh.”
