Pakistani Prime Minister Shehbaz Sharif met US Vice President JD Vance during talks between Washington and Tehran on April 11. Saudi Arabia confirmed the deployment of Pakistani air force assets to King Abdulaziz Air Base under a bilateral defense pact, highlighting Islamabad’s balancing act.
The deployment includes fighter and support aircraft to enhance joint readiness, underscoring Pakistan’s dual role as mediator in US-Iran tensions while remaining committed to Saudi Arabia under the Strategic Mutual Defence Agreement signed in 2025. A Pakistani official stated that Islamabad remains open to further talks but warned of potential complications due to a US naval blockade of Iran and an expiring ceasefire on April 22.
Analysts told Al Jazeera this deployment is likely intended as a deterrent, yet cautioned Pakistan’s position could become untenable if hostilities resume.