Pakistan burns bridges with Iran as Munir meets Saudi defence minister

NEW DELHI: Pakistan appears to have burnt its bridges with Iran by signalling a strong strategic support for Saudi Arabia with the country's army chief, Field Marshal Asim Munir, holding talks with Saudi Defence Minister Khalid bin Salman in Riyadh.

Saudi Arabia's Defence Minister met Munir on Friday, to discuss the unfolding security situation in West Asia, ET has been learnt. During the meeting, both sides discussed the recent Iranian attacks and possible ways to respond under the framework of their Joint Strategic Defence Agreement. Pakistan is obligated under defence pact with Saudi Arabia to support it during times of crisis.

According to statements shared by the Saudi defence minister on X, the two sides have agreed that such attacks threaten regional peace and stability.


"Met with Pakistan's Chief of Army Staff and Chief of Defense Forces, Field Marshal Asim Munir. We discussed Iranian attacks on the Kingdom and the measures needed to halt them within the framework 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 miscalculation," the Saudi Defence Minister posted on X.

Under Saudi- Strategic Mutual Defence Agreement, both nations are committed to treating an attack on one country as an attack on both.