United Against Threats: Asim Munir Meets Khalid bin Salman to Strengthen Pak-Saudi Alliance and Shield Against Iran’s Attacks
Pakistan has engaged in discussions with Saudi Arabia regarding joint measures to counter Iranian drone and missile strikes on the Kingdom, marking a significant early challenge to their mutual defense pact. Reports from Bloomberg indicate that the meeting between Pakistan’s Army Chief Asim Munir and Saudi Defense Minister Khalid bin Salman centered around the escalating security threats posed by Iran’s military actions in the region.
In a statement released by the Pakistani military on Saturday, they highlighted that Munir and bin Salman discussed the urgent need for coordinated efforts in light of Iran’s ongoing aerial assaults. This dialogue aligns with the Strategic Mutual Defence Agreement signed by both nations in September of last year, which asserts that any aggression against one country will be regarded as aggression against both.
Pakistan’s Foreign Minister Ishaq Dar also engaged with Iranian Foreign Minister Abbas Araghchi over the weekend, further emphasizing Pakistan’s diplomatic efforts to communicate the implications of the defense treaty with Saudi Arabia. The Iranian military has continued its missile strikes against Gulf states amid the current conflict with the U.S. and Israel, which has drawn international attention and concern.
On Saturday, Saudi Arabia announced it successfully intercepted drones targeting one of its major oil facilities, adding to the growing pressure on energy markets and driving up crude oil and gas prices. Given the backdrop of intensified hostilities in the region, Munir and his Saudi counterpart expressed concern over the destabilizing effects of Iranian aggression. They stressed the need for Iran to exhibit caution and wisdom to prevent miscalculations that could escalate the conflict further.
The implications of this cooperation are considerable, as Pakistan could become more deeply involved in the broader Iran conflict. The country features a significant Shiite population, the largest after Iran and Iraq, which maintains substantial ideological and religious connections to Tehran. In the wake of recent hostilities, protests erupted outside U.S. consulates, leading to considerable unrest and resulting in the deaths of at least two dozen individuals following the death of Iran’s Supreme Leader Ayatollah Ali Khamenei.
Moreover, Pakistan is contending with its own security challenges stemming from cross-border attacks linked to Afghanistan. Prime Minister Shehbaz Sharif’s spokesperson has dismissed prospects for peace talks with the Taliban government, insisting that discussions could only proceed if Afghanistan ceases its support for militant groups accused of operating within Pakistani territory.
The strategic landscape is rapidly evolving, and the actions taken by Saudi Arabia and Pakistan underscore the urgent need for a united front against regional threats. As both countries navigate this complex interplay of defense collaboration and diplomatic engagement, the situation remains fluid, warranting close observation for its potential implications on regional stability.
Original Source: https://www.livemint.com/news/world/pakistans-asim-munir-meets-saudis-khalid-bin-salman-mull-action-to-halt-iranian-attacks-11773053749653.html
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Publish Date: 2026-03-09 16:35:00
