COAS and CDF Marshal Syed Asim Munir meets Saudi Defense Minister Prince Khalid bin Salman. Photo: APP
ISLAMABAD:
Pakistan and Saudi Arabia discussed joint steps to end drone and missile attacks by Iran amid the ongoing regional war, it was reported on Saturday, in a significant diplomatic and security development.
ISPR said that Chief of Defense Force and Chief of Army Staff Field Marshal Syed Asim Munir met Saudi Defense Minister Khalid bin Salman.
Field Marshal Syed Asim Munir visited Riyadh on Friday to reassure Saudi leaders of Pakistan’s support in the volatile situation.
During the meeting between the marshal and the Saudi defense minister, according to ISPR, the two dignitaries discussed “the seriousness of the security situation resulting from Iranian drone and missile attacks against the kingdom and the joint measures necessary to end them within the framework of the mutual strategic defense agreement.”
It was emphasized that unprovoked aggression undermines efforts to ensure regional security and stability and excludes options for peaceful resolution of disputes.
“Both sides expressed the hope and desire that Iran, a brotherly country, would exercise prudence and sagacity to avoid any miscalculations and strengthen the hands of friendly countries seeking a peaceful settlement of the crisis,” the statement added.
In an article on We discussed Iranian attacks on the Kingdom and the steps needed to stop them as part of our joint strategic defense agreement. We stressed that such actions undermine regional security and stability and expressed hope that the Iranian side will exercise wisdom and avoid miscalculations.
In September last year, Prime Minister Shehbaz Sharif and Saudi Crown Prince Mohammed bin Salman signed a “strategic mutual defense agreement” in Riyadh, pledging that “any attack on either nation would be treated as an act of aggression against both,” as part of a mutual security commitment.
Pakistan, however, is walking a diplomatic tightrope as tensions rise between Iran and Saudi Arabia, traditionally avoiding getting drawn into conflicts between Muslim countries despite its long-standing strategic ties with Riyadh.
Diplomatic sources said Islamabad had already raised its concerns with Tehran and reminded Iranian officials of the defense agreement with Saudi Arabia.
In a series of statements, the Saudi Defense Ministry said it had foiled repeated missile launches at an air base housing U.S. military personnel and drone attacks on a major oil field.
The Saudi Ministry of Defense published on X that “a ballistic missile launched towards the Prince Sultan Air Base” southeast of the capital Riyadh had been “intercepted and destroyed”.
The official Saudi Press Agency later reported another missile attack on the same base, saying it had also been intercepted, citing a Defense Ministry spokesperson.
The news agency also reported at least 17 drone attacks targeting the Shaybah oil field near the UAE border. The drones were “intercepted and destroyed,” the statement said.
In another incident, two drones were intercepted east of Riyadh, according to the Defense Ministry.
With additional contribution from AFP
