Former U.S. diplomat Zalmay Khalilzad expressed concern over the deal between Pakistan and Saudi Arabia, noting that “Pakistan has nuclear weapons and delivery systems that can hit targets across the Middle East, including Israel”. Pakistan’s defense minister stated that the country’s nuclear program “will be made available” to Saudi Arabia if needed under the new defense pact. This development raises questions about declining confidence in U.S. deterrence in the region.
Saudi Arabia and nuclear-armed Pakistan have signed a mutual defense pact declaring any attack on either nation as an attack on both, significantly strengthening their decades-long security partnership. The agreement comes in the wake of Israel’s strike on Qatar last week and represents a major shift in regional security dynamics.
Saudi Crown Prince Mohammed bin Salman signed the pact on Wednesday with Pakistan’s Prime Minister Shehbaz Sharif in Riyadh. According to the joint statement, the agreement “aims to develop aspects of defense cooperation between the two countries and strengthen joint deterrence against any aggression”. The timing appears to be a signal to Israel following its recent military operations across the Middle East.
Former U.S. diplomat Zalmay Khalilzad expressed concern over the deal, noting that “Pakistan has nuclear weapons and delivery systems that can hit targets across the Middle East, including Israel”. Pakistan’s defense minister stated that the country’s nuclear program “will be made available” to Saudi Arabia if needed under the new defense pact. This development raises questions about declining confidence in U.S. deterrence in the region.
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