Pakistan reaffirms support for Saudi Arabia after strikes on energy facilities

Prime Minister Shehbaz Sharif spoke with Saudi Crown Prince Mohammed bin Salman on Tuesday, reaffirming Pakistan’s full support for Saudi Arabia following missile and drone attacks on the kingdom’s eastern energy facilities.

During the call, Shehbaz Sharif condemned the strike on the Al-Jubail petrochemical complex, describing it as a serious escalation. He praised Saudi leadership for exercising restraint amid regional tensions and assured the crown prince that Pakistan stands “shoulder to shoulder” with its Gulf ally.

Shehbaz Sharif also briefed the crown prince on Islamabad’s diplomatic efforts aimed at promoting peace and de-escalation in the region. He conveyed his regards to King Salman bin Abdulaziz Al Saud, the Custodian of the Two Holy Mosques. The crown prince welcomed Pakistan’s role in supporting regional stability.

Military voices concern over regional escalation

Earlier Tuesday, Pakistan’s top military leadership expressed alarm over the attacks. The statement, issued by the military’s media wing, followed the 274th Corps Commanders’ Conference at General Headquarters in Rawalpindi, chaired by Chief of Army Staff and Chief of Defense Staff Field Marshal Syed Asim Munir.

The forum called the attacks “dangerous escalations” that could undermine ongoing diplomatic efforts in the Middle East. It praised Saudi Arabia for a measured response that preserved space for dialogue and warned that continued aggression could reverse progress toward peace.

Foreign Office condemns Iranian strikes

Pakistan’s Foreign Office issued a separate statement condemning the missile and drone attacks carried out by Iran on Saudi energy facilities. The ministry described the strikes as “a serious violation of Saudi Arabia’s sovereignty” and a threat to regional stability. It mourned the loss of life and damage to critical infrastructure, offering condolences to victims’ families.

A source told AFP that the attacks targeted a petrochemical complex in Jubail, one of the world’s largest industrial cities, producing steel, gasoline, petrochemicals, lubricants, and fertilizers. Saudi air defenses intercepted seven ballistic missiles before they could cause further damage.

Pakistan has consistently condemned attacks on Gulf countries by Iran while also denouncing strikes on Iranian targets in February. Islamabad has facilitated communications between Washington and Tehran and works with regional states to de-escalate tensions.

Under a joint defense pact signed last September with Saudi Arabia, an attack on one country is considered an attack on both. Deputy Prime Minister Ishaq Dar confirmed that Pakistan had reminded Iran of this agreement.

The escalation has affected global energy markets, with Iran’s partial blockade of the Strait of Hormuz contributing to rising oil prices and economic uncertainty.