CDF Munir meets Saudi Defense Minister on Middle East conflicts

Field Marshal Asim Munir, Chief of Defence Forces (CDF) of Pakistan, met with Saudi Defence Minister Khalid bin Salman Al Saud in the Kingdom of Saudi Arabia last Saturday. The discussions centered around ongoing regional conflicts and Iran’s escalating attacks on Saudi territory.

According to bin Salman, both leaders examined Iran’s recent missile and drone assaults against Saudi Arabia within the context of a strategic military pact between Pakistan and Saudi Arabia. He implored Iran to exercise “wisdom and avoid miscalculation,” referencing repeated Iranian aggression that had already disrupted regional stability.

Post-meeting, Al Saud shared his thoughts on social media: “We discussed the ongoing Iranian attacks against our Kingdom and outlined measures necessary to halt them… We stressed these actions undermine regional security and stability. Expressing hope for wisdom from the side of Iran.”

Pakistan and Saudi Arabia have a longstanding strategic partnership spanning military cooperation, economic interests, and shared Islamic heritage. The two nations have engaged in substantial economic assistance and energy supply arrangements; Riyadh has been a critical source of financial aid and oil imports for Islamabad.

On Tuesday, Deputy Prime Minister Ishaq Dar revealed that Pakistan’s diplomatic interventions played a crucial role in preventing further Iranian strikes against Saudi Arabia during a period of missile and drone attacks across the Gulf. In light of the closure of the Strait of Hormuz due to US-Israeli actions against Iran, Pakistan requested Saudi Arabia provide an alternative oil supply route through Yanbu to ensure its fuel supply chain.

In September last year, Prime Minister Shehbaz Sharif and Saudi Crown Prince Mohammed bin Salman signed a “Strategic Mutual Defense Agreement” in Riyadh. The pact committed both nations to treating any attack on either as an act of aggression against them collectively.