Saudi Defence Minister Prince Khalid bin Salman met Pakistan Army Chief Field Marshal Syed Asim Munir to discuss regional security and Iranian attacks on Saudi Arabia. The meeting focused on ways to prevent further attacks and strengthen cooperation under the joint military framework between the two countries.
Prince Khalid bin Salman said on X that the discussion emphasized stopping attacks that threaten regional stability. He expressed hope that Iran would prioritize reason and avoid “wrong calculations” in the tense environment following recent Middle East escalations.
The meeting comes after the United States and Israel launched attacks on Iran on February 28, prompting Tehran to retaliate with missiles and drones targeting US bases and facilities in the Gulf, including in Saudi Arabia. Saudi officials reported that drones were intercepted while attempting to strike the Shayba oil field in the Empty Quarter.
A drone also targeted the US embassy in Riyadh earlier this week, causing a minor fire. Iran’s ambassador to Saudi Arabia, Alireza Enayati, denied Tehran’s involvement in that attack.
Pakistan and Saudi Arabia formalized their strategic military partnership last September through the Strategic Mutual Defence Agreement (SMDA). The pact states that any attack on one country is considered an attack on both. Prime Minister Shehbaz Sharif and Crown Prince Mohammed bin Salman signed the agreement in Riyadh to further strengthen decades-long security ties.
The meeting between the Saudi Defence Minister and Pakistan Army Chief highlights ongoing collaboration to maintain regional security. Both sides reaffirmed their commitment to working together against external threats, particularly in light of escalating tensions in the Middle East.