RIYADH: Saudi Defense Minister Khalid bin Salman has warned that Iranian missile and drone attacks on the Kingdom pose a grave threat to regional stability, as he met Pakistan’s Chief of Army Staff and Chief of Defense Forces, Field Marshal Asim Munir, to discuss joint measures under the Strategic Defense Agreement.
In a statement issued on X after the meeting, Khalid bin Salman said the two sides had reviewed “Iranian attacks on the Kingdom and the measures needed to halt them within the framework of our Joint Strategic Defense Agreement.” He added that both countries stressed such actions “undermine regional security and stability” and expressed hope that “the Iranian side will exercise wisdom and avoid miscalculation.”
Met with Pakistan’s Chief of Army Staff and Chief of Defense Forces, Field Marshal Asim Munir. We discussed Iranian attacks on the Kingdom and the measures needed to halt them within the framework of our Joint Strategic Defense Agreement. We stressed that such actions undermine… pic.twitter.com/OuELnf9LU6
— Khalid bin Salman خالد بن سلمان (@kbsalsaud) March 7, 2026
The Saudi Defense Ministry added that during the meeting, the two sides discussed “Iranian aggressions against the Kingdom within the framework of the strategic defense agreement between the two brotherly countries, and ways to stop these aggression that do not serve the security and stability of the region.”
The meeting was attended by His Excellency the Chief of the General Staff, First Lieutenant General Fayyadh bin Hamed Al-Ruwaili, and His Excellency the Advisor to His Royal Highness the Minister of Defense for Intelligence Affairs, Professor Hisham bin Abdulaziz bin Saif. From the Pakistani side, it was attended by Brigadier General Muhammad Javed Tariq, Secretary to His Excellency the Commander of the Armed Forces and Chief of Army Staff.
التقى صاحب السمو الملكي الأمير خالد بن سلمان بن عبدالعزيز وزير الدفاع، في الرياض، معالي قائد قوات الدفاع قائد الجيش الباكستاني المشير عاصم منير.
وجرى خلال اللقاء بحث الاعتداءات الإيرانية على المملكة في إطار اتفاقية الدفاع الإستراتيجي المشترك بين البلدين الشقيقين، وسبل وقف هذه… pic.twitter.com/kJHmjA56PY
— وزارة الدفاع (@modgovksa) March 7, 2026
It is important to note that the meeting comes against the backdrop of repeated Iranian strikes on Saudi territory since the outbreak of hostilities in late February. According to Saudi officials, the Kingdom has been directly hit by at least 10 Iranian drones and two cruise missiles, while three ballistic missiles targeted the Prince Sultan Air Base in early March. Although most were intercepted, one missile struck the base, which hosts US and Saudi personnel, underscoring the seriousness of the threat.
Pakistan and Saudi Arabia signed their formal Strategic Mutual Defense Agreement on 17 September 2025 in Riyadh. The pact commits both nations to treat aggression against one as aggression against both.
Following repeated Iranian strikes on neighboring Arab states including Saudi Arabia, Deputy Prime Minister and Foreign Minister Ishaq Dar told the Senate just a few days back that he had cautioned Iran by reminding them of this pact, urging Tehran to remain mindful of Pakistan’s binding defense commitment with Saudi Arabia. Dar’s remarks highlighted Islamabad’s delicate balancing act—supporting Iran diplomatically while honoring its obligations to Riyadh.
Observers believe the Saudi Defense Minister’s latest statement reflects Riyadh’s growing reliance on Pakistan under the pact, particularly as Iranian strikes have expanded beyond border skirmishes to deep targets inside the Kingdom. Analysts note that the Prince Sultan Air Base, a hub for Saudi and US operations, has become a symbolic target for Tehran, raising fears of a wider regional escalation.
