Saudi Arabia and Pakistan Sign Historic Mutual Defense Pact Amid Regional Tensions
In a significant move, Saudi Arabia has signed a mutual defense agreement with nuclear-armed Pakistan, pledging that an attack on one would be considered an attack on both. This pact comes as both countries navigate increasing regional tensions, particularly in light of recent conflicts, including an Israeli attack on Qatar. The agreement signals a deepening of ties between the two nations and has drawn attention from neighboring countries, notably India, which is assessing the implications for its own national security. As part of the agreement, Saudi Arabia and Pakistan commit to a joint response to any aggression, reflecting a strategic shift in military cooperation amid growing concerns over security guarantees traditionally offered by the US. The deal has been characterized as a NATO-like arrangement in the region and has prompted various reactions from global powers.
CNN, Al Jazeera, The Washington Post, NDTV, The Times of Israel, Times of India, Financial Times, Bloomberg.com, The Guardian, DW