Islamabad is facing a delicate balancing act as escalating tensions between Iran and its regional rivals, coupled with a recent attack that killed Iran’s Supreme Leader Ayatollah Ali Khamenei, create a complex geopolitical challenge. Pakistan shares a 900-kilometer border with Iran and maintains significant economic and strategic ties with both Iran and Saudi Arabia, placing it squarely in the middle of a volatile situation. The reverberations of the conflict, which has seen Iranian missiles and drones target Gulf states, are being deeply felt within Pakistan.
The situation is further complicated by Pakistan’s recently reinforced ties with Riyadh. In September 2025, Islamabad and Saudi Arabia signed a Strategic Mutual Defence Agreement, committing each side to consider an attack on one as an attack on both. This agreement was formalized by Prime Minister Shehbaz Sharif and Army Chief Asim Munir during a visit to Riyadh, according to Al Jazeera. Saudi Arabia has now invoked this agreement, reminding Pakistan of its commitment in the face of Iranian threats, even as civilian leadership expresses sympathy for Tehran, as reported by Republic World.
Pakistan’s Defense Pact and Regional Implications
The invocation of the defense agreement by Saudi Arabia underscores the pressure on Pakistan to align with the Kingdom amidst the escalating conflict. Saudi Defence Minister confirmed a meeting with Pakistan’s military leadership, including Chief of Army Staff Field Marshal Asim Munir, to discuss the crisis and measures to halt Iranian attacks. The Saudi Defence Minister stated on X that the discussion focused on “Iranian attacks on the Kingdom and the measures needed to halt them within the framework of our Joint Strategic Defense Agreement.” This development has sparked debate over Pakistan’s foreign policy, with the military appearing to prioritize the defense pact while the civilian government signals understanding towards Iran.
Prior to the current crisis, Pakistan had attempted to mediate between Iran and the United States. According to Moneycontrol, Field Marshal Syed Asim Munir and Shehbaz Sharif “made tireless efforts to mediate negotiations between Iran and the United States,” but these efforts ultimately fell flat. The reasons cited include a lack of trust and diverging interests between the two nations.
Internal Challenges and External Pressures
The conflict also presents internal challenges for Pakistan. Ten people were killed in a pro-Iran protest at the US consulate in Karachi, highlighting potential unrest within Pakistan’s Shi’ite Muslim community, as reported by Al Jazeera. The assassination of Ayatollah Ali Khamenei in a US-Israel attack on February 28, 2026, has further inflamed tensions and sparked anger within the country. Six Gulf countries have also been targeted by Iranian missile and drone attacks, increasing the complexity of Pakistan’s position.
Adding another layer to the geopolitical landscape, Pakistan is also navigating its relationship with the United States. While the US is reportedly eyeing Pakistan’s natural resources and potential in cryptocurrency and energy deals, the current administration, led by Donald Trump, appears to prioritize transactional incentives over broader strategic considerations, according to Times Now News. This dynamic adds further pressure on Pakistan to balance its relationships with multiple key players.
As Iranian drones and ballistic missiles continue to target Gulf states, the question of whether Pakistan can maintain neutrality remains a critical concern. The country’s commitment to the defense agreement with Saudi Arabia, coupled with its proximity to Iran and the potential for internal unrest, presents a significant test for Islamabad’s foreign policy and regional stability.
The coming weeks will be crucial in determining Pakistan’s course of action. The government will need to carefully weigh its commitments to Saudi Arabia against its desire to maintain relations with Iran and avoid being drawn into a wider regional conflict. The role of the Pakistani military, under the leadership of Asim Munir, will be particularly important in shaping the country’s response to the evolving situation.
What are your thoughts on Pakistan’s position in this complex geopolitical landscape? Share your insights in the comments below.
