Saudi–Pakistan Defense Pact: Nuclear Shift in the Middle East
Saudi Arabia and Pakistan sign a historic defense pact that could reshape Middle East security, with nuclear and geopolitical implications.
Saudi–Pakistan Defense Pact: A Nuclear Turning Point in the Middle East
On September 15, 2025, Saudi Arabia and Pakistan signed a historic defense pact. While framed as a bilateral military agreement, experts believe the deal could mark a nuclear shift in the Middle East and a major step in Riyadh’s evolving strategy between Washington, Tehran, and Islamabad.
Saudi Arabia and Pakistan’s Secretive Talks
Reports from Tactical Report reveal that Pakistani Prime Minister Shehbaz Sharif held a closed-door meeting with Crown Prince Mohammed bin Salman (MBS) during his Riyadh visit. Sharif suggested expanding the pact to the Gulf Cooperation Council (GCC), but MBS declined, insisting on a strictly bilateral deal.
Although limited to Saudi Arabia and Pakistan, the agreement indirectly affects the entire Gulf due to Riyadh’s dominant role in the GCC.
Washington Institute: More Than Just a Defense Pact
Simon Henderson of the Washington Institute for Near East Policy argues that the pact is not “an ordinary agreement.” Instead, it signals possible nuclear cooperation. Saudi Arabia could seek indirect access to Pakistan’s nuclear expertise should Iran’s influence expand further.
This concern is not new. Back in 2018, MBS told CBS that if Iran acquired nuclear weapons, “Saudi Arabia will follow suit as soon as possible.”
Nuclear Dimensions: Pakistan’s Open Statement
Pakistan’s Defense Minister Khawaja Muhammad Asif recently told his parliament that his country’s nuclear program would be available to Saudi Arabia if necessary. This rare declaration strengthens speculation that the pact could involve more than just conventional military cooperation.
Since the 1980s, Saudi Arabia has been suspected of funding Pakistan’s nuclear program. U.S. intelligence tracked these ties after then–Defense Minister Prince Sultan bin Abdulaziz visited Pakistani nuclear facilities in 1979.
Even today, CNN reports confirm that Saudi Arabia maintains missile bases in al-Dawadmi and al-Nabhaniyah, capable of carrying nuclear warheads.
Washington’s Quiet Concerns
According to the Financial Times, the U.S. was formally informed of the deal only after it was signed. While MBS assured Sharif that the pact was not aimed at Washington, American officials remain cautious.
U.S. defense companies like Lockheed Martin and Boeing continue to push for major arms deals with Riyadh, but pro-Israel lobbies in Washington warn that deeper Saudi–Pakistani cooperation could shift the balance of power.
Regional Impact: Iran, Israel, and the GCC
The Saudi–Pakistani pact arrives shortly after a dramatic Israeli strike in Doha that killed Hamas figures. Analysts believe the agreement signals Riyadh’s pivot away from normalization with Israel, focusing instead on strengthening regional alliances.
Pakistan’s stance: Open to dialogue with Iran, viewing it as a key regional actor.
Saudi Arabia’s stance: Avoids direct confrontation with Israel, relying on Washington to manage tensions.
This divergence creates a delicate balance: unity against Israel’s aggression on one side, caution on the other.
Global Dimensions: The China Factor
By tightening ties with Pakistan, Saudi Arabia indirectly strengthens its relationship with China, Islamabad’s closest partner. Beijing is likely to support the pact as part of its growing Middle East strategy, challenging U.S. influence in the region.
Conclusion: A Strategic Gamble
The Saudi–Pakistan defense pact is more than a military agreement. It is a geopolitical gamble with three main dimensions:
Nuclear security: Possible Saudi access to Pakistan’s nuclear umbrella.
Geopolitical strategy: Reduced dependence on Washington, stronger Gulf–Asia ties.
Regional signaling: A message to Iran and Israel that Riyadh is diversifying its defense options.
As Henderson warns, this is “not an ordinary pact”—it could redefine Middle East security for decades to come.
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