Amidst the US-Iran tension in the Middle East, Pakistan also seems to be stuck in a difficult situation. After the missile attack on Saudi Arabia by Yemen’s Houthi rebels, Islamabad is worried that it too may become a part of this conflict. The reason is not only regional tension, but also the defense agreement between Pakistan and Saudi Arabia. In such a situation, if the situation worsens, the pressure on Pakistan to support its ally country may increase.
On one hand, Pakistan is trying to play the role of mediator between America and Iran, while on the other hand it is also worried about the security of its closest ally Saudi Arabia. This is the reason why after the Houthi attacks, Pakistan has given a strong message to Iran and made it clear that attacking Saudi Arabia is a red line for it.
The biggest reason for Pakistan’s concern
- Pakistan has become alert after the missile attack by Houthi rebels on Saudi Arabia.
- There is a Mutual Defense Pact between Pakistan and Saudi Arabia.
- Thousands of Pakistani soldiers and fighter planes are already deployed in Saudi Arabia.
- Pakistan fears that if the conflict escalates, it may have to get involved militarily.
Why did Houthi attack become a challenge for Pakistan?
According to Reuters report, Houthi rebels fired missiles at Saudi Arabia, after which Pakistan’s concern increased significantly. Pakistan was already trying to hold talks between America and Iran, but now it feels that if the conflict between Saudi Arabia and Houthi rebels intensifies, its neutral role will become difficult.
Why is Pakistan’s relationship with Saudi important?
Last year, a defense cooperation agreement was signed between Pakistan and Saudi Arabia. Under this, both the countries will cooperate with each other in security matters. Apart from this, thousands of Pakistani soldiers are already performing security responsibilities in Saudi Arabia. This is the reason why Islamabad is not considering any attack as a matter of Saudi alone. Earlier this year also, Pakistan had expressed displeasure over the Iranian attacks on Saudi Arabia. But, after the attacks this week, Pakistan’s anger has increased further. He fears that these attacks could trigger a major conflict again between Saudi Arabia and Iran-backed Houthi rebels.
Doesn’t want to spoil relations even with Iran
Pakistan’s problem is also that it wants to avoid direct conflict with Iran. Both countries have a long border and trade and security relations. Pakistan has played the role of mediator between America and Iran in recent months. But it is being said that the changing balance of power within Iran has made the talks more complicated.
Why is the Red Sea crisis important?
According to Reuters report, if the US attacks Iran’s power network, Iran has asked Yemen’s Houthi rebels to prepare to close the Bab-al-Mandab Strait, an important sea route of the Red Sea. Sources say that this can have a big impact on the world’s oil and maritime trade.
However, Iran and the Houthi organization have not given any official response to this report. Experts believe that Iran may try to put pressure on America through this strategy. It is one of the most important maritime trade routes in the world. If this happens, it could have a major impact on oil supply and global trade.
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