Both sides discuss joint steps under defence pact as Pakistan urges restraint to avoid wider conflict
Chief of Defence Forces Asim Munir and Minister of Defense Khalid Bin Salman met today to discuss the security situation arising from the US-Israel war on Iran. PHOTO: ISPR
Chief of Defence Staff Field Marshal Syed Asim Munir visited Saudi Arabia and met Defence Minister Prince Khalid bin Salman to discuss regional security concerns, officials said on Saturday.
According to a statement issued by the military’s media wing, Inter-Services Public Relations (ISPR), the two sides reviewed the security situation arising from Iranian drone and missile attacks on US bases in the Kingdom of Saudi Arabia.
They also discussed joint measures needed to halt the attacks within the framework of the Strategic Mutual Defence Agreement (SMDA).
Read: Israel launches ‘broad-scale’ strikes on Tehran as Iran fires new missile wave
In a post on X, Prince Khalid reiterated the desire to find appropriate measures to stop Iranian attacks under the SMDA.
Met with Pakistan’s Chief of Army Staff and Chief of Defense Forces, Field Marshal Asim Munir. We discussed Iranian attacks on the Kingdom and the measures needed to halt them within the framework of our Joint Strategic Defense Agreement. We stressed that such actions undermine… pic.twitter.com/OuELnf9LU6
— Khalid bin Salman خالد بن سلمان (@kbsalsaud) March 7, 2026
Both sides stressed that unprovoked aggression undermines efforts to maintain regional security and stability and reduces the chances of a peaceful settlement of disputes.
It was emphasised that Iran should exercise good judgment and caution in its retaliation against US bases to avoid misfires and miscalculations, and to support efforts by friendly countries seeking a peaceful resolution to the crisis.
Pakistan and Saudi Arabia share longstanding ties based on strategic military cooperation, economic interests and shared Islamic heritage. Riyadh has been a key source of financial assistance and oil supplies for Islamabad.
Earlier this week, Deputy Prime Minister and Foreign Minister Ishaq Dar said Pakistan’s diplomatic intervention helped deter heavier Iranian strikes on Saudi Arabia amid ongoing missile and drone attacks targeting US military bases and allied facilities across the Gulf.
A day later, Pakistan formally requested Saudi Arabia to provide an alternative oil supply route through Yanbu to maintain its fuel supply chain after the Strait of Hormuz was closed following the US-Israeli attack on Iran.
In September last year, Prime Minister Shehbaz Sharif and Saudi Crown Prince Mohammed bin Salman signed a Strategic Mutual Defence Agreement in Riyadh, pledging that any attack on either country would be treated as aggression against both.
