Pakistan Issues Firm Warning to Iran — Reminds Tehran of Strategic Defence Pact with Saudi Arabia

Islamabad — Pakistan has walked a diplomatic tightrope between its longstanding defence pact with Saudi Arabia and its delicate ties with Iran, resorting to shuttle diplomacy as Middle East tensions escalate following US-Israeli strikes on Tehran. 
Deputy Prime Minister and Foreign Minister Ishaq Dar, addressing the Senate, stated that while Pakistan stands wholeheartedly with Iran, Islamabad has clearly conveyed to Tehran that its defence agreement with Saudi Arabia must be respected. 
The Defence Pact
Pakistan and Saudi Arabia signed the Strategic Mutual Defence Agreement (SMDA) on September 17, 2025, under which any aggression against either country is considered an aggression against both. The pact encompasses all military means, including potential cooperation in defence technology and cooperative deterrence measures. 
Shuttle Diplomacy
Dar claimed that when Iran began launching strikes on Saudi Arabia in retaliation for the US-Israeli attacks, he personally contacted leadership on both sides and worked to ensure Iran’s attacks on the Kingdom ceased. He contacted Saudi Arabia, conveyed Iran’s concerns, received assurances that Saudi territory would not be used against Iran, and relayed those assurances back to Tehran. 
Noticeably Reduced Strikes on Saudi Arabia
Dar told senators that Iran had sought assurances that Saudi soil would not be used against it, adding that after receiving those guarantees Iran’s strikes against Saudi Arabia and Oman were noticeably more restrained compared to attacks on other regional countries.  (PBS)
Pakistanis in the Region
Dar said Pakistan immediately condemned the US-Israel strikes against Iran and has been in direct contact with Iranian Foreign Minister Abbas Araghchi, noting their communication is so close that they message each other directly rather than going through formal foreign office channels.  (Iran International) He also highlighted that 2.5 million Pakistanis reside in Saudi Arabia, while 33,000 Pakistanis are currently stranded in Iran. 
Pakistan has reaffirmed its commitment to continued diplomatic engagement and de-escalation efforts across the region.