Pakistan Backs Saudi Arabia, Seeks Iran-Saudi Rapprochement Amidst Middle East Tensions
Pakistan is actively working to de-escalate rising tensions in the Middle East, reaffirming its commitment to agreements with Saudi Arabia and promoting dialogue between Riyadh and Tehran, according to statements made Saturday by Prime Minister Shehbaz Sharif’s Adviser on Political and Public Affairs, Rana Sanaullah.
The announcement comes amid a rapidly deteriorating security situation following the assassination of Iran’s Ayatollah Ali Khamenei and several senior officials in recent U.S. And Israeli airstrikes. Tehran has responded with retaliatory attacks on U.S. Military bases in Gulf countries, and a surge in missile and drone attacks targeting Gulf Arab states, including critical infrastructure, diplomatic missions, and civilian areas. More than 2,000 missile and drone attacks have been reported since February 28th.
Whereas Saudi Arabia has publicly stated its desire to prevent a wider military confrontation, frustration is mounting. On Thursday, the Saudi foreign minister indicated that the kingdom reserves the right to take military action against Iran, stating that trust between the two nations has been broken following recent Iranian ballistic missile attacks targeting Saudi territory.
Iran has accused Israel of striking facilities within the South Pars gas field, further escalating the conflict and driving up global oil prices. Tehran has vowed retaliatory strikes against oil and gas targets throughout the Gulf, including missile launches toward Qatar and Saudi Arabia. Sanaullah stated Pakistan strongly condemned the aggression against Iran, as well as the attack on its former supreme leader, and expressed full solidarity with the Islamic world.
Speaking to the media after Eidul Fitr prayers, Sanaullah emphasized Pakistan’s commitment to both Iran and other Muslim nations, stating, “Pakistan not only stood by Iran but too condemned any aggression against other Muslim countries and reaffirmed its commitment to support them.” He further asserted that Pakistan currently enjoys the confidence of Iran, Saudi Arabia, the United Arab Emirates, Qatar, Oman, and Bahrain, positioning the country as “a symbol of peace and unity in the Muslim ummah.”
Sanaullah highlighted Pakistan’s existing defense agreement with Saudi Arabia, reaffirming the nation’s commitment to the pact. He also expressed hope that ongoing discussions between Saudi and Iranian leadership would contribute to a de-escalation of the crisis. He noted that Saudi Arabia’s policy of restraint was a positive step, and urged Iran to avoid targeting Muslim countries, particularly Saudi Arabia.
Addressing concerns regarding Afghanistan, Sanaullah reiterated Pakistan’s position that it does not seek to impose war or occupy Afghan territory. He stated that Pakistan’s primary concern is preventing Afghan soil from being used against other nations, particularly Pakistan itself, aligning with international law. He suggested that assurances from Afghanistan on this matter could immediately ease tensions between the two countries, and reaffirmed Pakistan’s respect for the Doha Agreement.
Sanaullah also addressed internal security matters, stating that Operation Ghazab Lil Haq is being conducted based on intelligence regarding terrorist hideouts, and that security forces have successfully dismantled several terrorist training facilities. He affirmed the commitment of state institutions to eradicating terrorism and highlighted recent successes in this effort.
Regarding a recent change in the governorship of Sindh province, Sanaullah confirmed a decision within the Pakistan Muslim League-Nawaz (PML-N) to appoint governors in both Sindh and Balochistan from within the party ranks. He clarified that no prior commitment had been made to the Muttahida Qaumi Movement-Pakistan (MQM-P) regarding the Sindh governorship, and that the appointment of Kamran Tessori had originated during the previous caretaker government under Anwaar-ul-Haq Kakar.