Recent missile attacks by Yemen-based Houthi forces against Saudi Arabia have led Pakistani officials to express concern regarding their country's potential involvement in a regional conflict. Following a Houthi strike launched in response to alleged Saudi bombing of a Houthi-controlled airport, Pakistani officials informed Reuters that they have communicated to Iran that further attacks on Saudi Arabia represent a "red line."
Under a mutual defense pact signed last year, Pakistan has deployed thousands of troops and a squadron of fighter jets to Saudi Arabia. Security analysts note that some Pakistani personnel are positioned near the Saudi-Yemeni border, increasing the likelihood of direct involvement should hostilities escalate.
Pakistani government sources stated that internal divisions within the Iranian leadership and the influence of the Islamic Revolutionary Guard Corps have complicated diplomatic efforts. These tensions reportedly led to a two-day delay of a visit by an Iranian delegation led by Interior Minister Eskandar Momeni to Islamabad this week.
Despite the recent escalation, Pakistan's foreign ministry has called for restraint and continued dialogue. While Islamabad seeks to maintain its role as a mediator between the United States and Iran to protect its energy supply routes, officials stated they will fulfill their military obligations to Saudi Arabia if requested.