The new “Strategic Mutual Defence Agreement” between Saudi Arabia and Pakistan, pledging that aggression against either nation would be treated as an attack on both, has upset Iran. Experts say the new pact has pushed Pakistan into a trap. They believe Saudi Arabia intends to use Pakistan against the Houthi rebels in Yemen. It is also being said that the pact will change the strategic equations in the region.
Iran eyes Yemen conflict
Iran is particularly worried about Yemen, as it has already backed the Houthi rebels who control different parts of the country. A Saudi Arabia-led coalition was formed to remove the Houthis from Yemen, but it did not succeed in its mission. Although there is currently a ceasefire between the Houthis and Saudi Arabia, experts opine that it could end in the near future.
An expert familiar with the Houthis says Pakistan needs to understand that Saudi Arabia wants to draw the nation into conflict against the Houthis. He recalled that a similar attempt was made in 2015, but PTI chief Imran Khan opposed the move, and the then Nawaz Sharif government decided to back off.
Iran may see it as threat to its sovereignty
Iran supplies weapons, training, and support to the Houthi rebels. After the signing of the pact, Iran is unlikely to appreciate the move and may even consider it a threat to its sovereignty.
Middle East instability deepens
Although Iran and Saudi Arabia have been trying to improve their ties, the Gaza war has created fresh instability in the Middle East. Earlier this June, Israel launched an attack on Iran, and it was reportedly claimed that Israeli jets had used Saudi airspace.
Amid these developments, a senior Saudi official has emphasized the importance of ties between India and Saudi Arabia. Speaking to a British outlet on the condition of anonymity, he said that Saudi Arabia’s relations with India are stronger than ever before and will continue to grow in the future.
