(Publish from Houston Texas USA)
(By Mian Iftikhar Ahmad)
The strategic mutual defense agreement between Pakistan and Saudi Arabia in 2025 has marked a new milestone, formalizing long-standing defense relations between the two countries. Under the agreement, both nations pledged that an attack on either would be considered an attack on both. The agreement is not limited to military cooperation or arms transactions; it establishes a comprehensive defense framework, including joint military exercises, training, security cooperation, counter-terrorism efforts, and coordinated defense planning. This framework strengthens Pakistan-Saudi relations and reshapes the regional power balance.
Iran responded to the agreement at the United Nations by acknowledging its potential for regional cooperation and Muslim solidarity while also expressing concerns that new defense blocs could increase tensions rather than peace. Iran emphasized that confidence-building measures and cooperative frameworks should be prioritized and urged regional countries to focus on mutual solutions and maintaining stability despite evolving geopolitical circumstances. Iran’s stance also reflects its cautious positivity, aiming to safeguard its strategic position while promoting diplomatic approaches in a region where it has historically clashed with Saudi Arabia in various conflicts.
The agreement’s impact on Europe presents a complex challenge. European countries, invested in Middle Eastern energy security, nuclear negotiations, and regional stability, view the alliance not merely as a bilateral pact but as a new variable in the regional equation. European stakeholders, considering Saudi oil significance and Iran trade relations, may need to adjust diplomatic strategies. The stronger defense partnership could compel Europe to balance alliances carefully to avoid escalation and maintain peace. They see this framework as a means to manage common threats rather than relying solely on military coalitions, expecting it could enhance regional stability if not used for aggressive purposes.
From the U.S. perspective, the Pakistan-Saudi defense agreement presents both opportunities and challenges. The U.S. has historically considered Saudi Arabia a key defense partner and seeks stability in the Gulf, a reduction of Iran-related tensions, and uninterrupted energy flows. The agreement allows the U.S. to potentially reduce its direct military presence, relying on active defense cooperation between Saudi Arabia and Pakistan. However, Washington must also consider Iran’s reactions, as Tehran criticized U.S. support in its UN statements. The U.S., therefore, adopts a balanced approach, recognizing the pact as a stabilizing factor while maintaining diplomatic engagement with Iran.
For Israel, the agreement introduces a new geopolitical reality. Israel views Iran as its primary regional threat, and a strong Saudi-Pakistani defense partnership could counterbalance Iran’s influence. While Israel benefits from this strategic balance, it also wants to ensure the alliance does not directly lead to conflict and that regional stability is preserved. The pact may also impact India and other regional actors, as a strong defense partnership reshapes the power equilibrium among Iran, Israel, Saudi Arabia, and Pakistan, compelling global players to reconsider their policies to maintain regional security and cooperation.
Meanwhile, Pakistan has advanced defense relations with Libya, signing an agreement focused on cooperation, training, counter-terrorism, and military capacity-building. Pakistan’s top military officials have emphasized strengthening these ties and enhancing security collaboration. The Libyan agreement differs from the Saudi pact, prioritizing training, cooperation, and defense supplies over a mutual defense commitment. Libya, in North Africa, faces political instability and military challenges, making Pakistani assistance in capacity-building crucial. The agreement is reportedly valued at approximately 4.6 billion USD, covering military equipment, training programs, fighter jets, tanks, and other defense requirements, boosting Pakistan’s defense exports and industrial growth. In contrast, the Pakistan-Saudi pact does not disclose a financial figure, focusing instead on strategic partnership, power balance, and joint defense objectives.
The key difference between the two agreements lies in their purpose and nature. The Saudi pact forms a mutual defense framework based on shared security obligations, whereas the Libyan agreement emphasizes cooperation, training, and defense material provision. The financial aspect further distinguishes them: the Libya deal represents a significant defense export opportunity, while the Saudi agreement primarily strengthens strategic defense and regional security balance.
Overall, the Pakistan-Saudi defense pact influences global powers such as Iran, Europe, the U.S., and Israel by integrating strategic interests and concerns, whereas the Libya deal enhances Pakistan’s defense diplomacy in North Africa, demonstrating its capacity to expand strategic partnerships and maintain regional stability. This evolving scenario compels global actors to recalibrate their policies and strategies to ensure security, cooperation, and a balanced regional defense structure.
