Houthi attacks put Pakistan in a tough choice between Saudi Arabia and Iran
Houthi attacks on Saudi Arabia are testing Pakistan's ability to keep its security partnership with Riyadh while preserving ties with neighbouring Iran. Analysts warn Islamabad's military involvement could sharpen tensions with Tehran.
Escalating Houthi attacks on Saudi Arabian cities — including attacks that have affected the holy city of Mecca — are testing Pakistan's ability to maintain its security partnership with Riyadh while preserving relations with neighbouring Iran.
The Mecca defence agreement
On 7 August 2026, Pakistan, Saudi Arabia and Türkiye signed the Mecca Joint Defence Agreement. It builds on the Strategic Mutual Defence Agreement concluded between Pakistan and Saudi Arabia on 17 September 2025 and rests on collective security: an attack on one member is treated as an attack on all.
Pakistan's position
Pakistan has deployed substantial military forces to Saudi Arabia, but officials say this is for defensive support only — air and missile defence, intelligence, training and territorial protection. Islamabad denies conducting cross-border offensive operations into Yemen. The Foreign Ministry stressed its forces would defend Saudi territory rather than cross into Yemen, while diplomatically urging Iran to restrain the Houthis.
Iran's concern
Iranian lawmakers have criticised Islamabad's growing military alignment with Saudi Arabia. Iranian Foreign Ministry spokesman Esmaeil Baqaei expressed concern over reports of a possible large-scale Pakistani troop deployment. The two states share a 909-kilometre border running through Balochistan and Sistan-Baluchestan.
Border and mediation risks
Analysts warn that weaker cooperation could let armed groups exploit border vulnerabilities, disrupting trade, border markets, connectivity and energy projects. Pakistan mediated the June 2026 'Islamabad Memorandum' talks between Iran and the United States; the two neighbours aim to raise annual trade to $10 billion.
Expert assessment
Christoph Bluth, Professor of International Relations and Security at the University of Bradford: 'If it develops into what is perceived as an operational anti-Iran or anti-Houthi coalition, it would seriously damage Islamabad-Tehran relations.' He named a more unstable border, intensified insurgency and increased security risks for Pakistan as the principal dangers.
