Reuters has claimed that Pakistan conveyed a strong message to Iran following recent Houthi attacks on Saudi Arabia, describing the Kingdom as Pakistan’s “red line.”
According to the Reuters report, the Iran-backed Houthis launched missile attacks on Saudi Arabia earlier this week, raising concerns in Islamabad that the escalating regional conflict could also affect Pakistan.
The report added that the situation could complicate Pakistan’s potential role as a future mediator between the United States and Iran.
Citing a Pakistani official who spoke on condition of anonymity, Reuters reported that Pakistan’s top political and military leadership informed Iran that “Saudi Arabia is our red line, and any attack on Saudi Arabia will be considered an attack on Pakistan.”
Reuters further stated that Pakistan and Saudi Arabia signed a mutual defence agreement last year.
According to the report, thousands of Pakistani troops and a contingent of fighter aircraft are currently stationed in Saudi Arabia under that arrangement.
The news agency also said Pakistan had previously expressed concern over attacks targeting Saudi Arabia, but regional analysts and officials believe the latest Houthi strikes have heightened Islamabad’s concerns by increasing the risk of a renewed conflict between Saudi Arabia and the Houthis.
Neither Pakistan nor Iran has officially responded to the Reuters report.
