Saudi Arabia and Pakistan have signed a "strategic mutual defense agreement" that analysts say could bring Pakistan's nuclear potential into the regional security equation in the Middle East, Reuters reports.
The pact comes amid rising tensions following the unprecedented Israeli strikes on Qatar last week and fears that Iran could acquire nuclear weapons.
Details of the deal were not disclosed, but the document stipulates that an attack on one of the countries would be considered aggression against both. Pakistani Defense Minister Khawaja Muhammad Asif told Reuters that nuclear weapons were "not on the radar" of the pact and that it was not aimed at aggression.
However, Saudi officials have suggested that the agreement covers "all military assets," suggesting a possible nuclear element.
Analysts believe Riyadh is seeking to reduce its dependence on the United States and compensate for a strategic deficit with Israel, which is considered the only nuclear power in the region. According to Hassan Alhassan of the London-based Institute for Strategic Studies, the deal reflects "diminishing confidence in American security guarantees."
Pakistan is the only Muslim country with nuclear weapons and has an army of more than 600,000 soldiers. Although its official doctrine is aimed at India, its missiles can theoretically reach Israel. India has reacted cautiously, saying it will "study the implications for national and regional security". Iran is also likely to watch developments closely.
Saudi Arabia has been a financial backer of Pakistan for decades, including a recent $3 billion loan. The new deal could provide Islamabad with additional resources for its military budget, which is significantly smaller than India's. Experts say it marks a deeper military engagement by Pakistan in the region and cements its role as a strategic partner for the Gulf states.
Riyadh has stressed that it will not establish diplomatic relations with Israel until the war in Gaza is over and progress is made towards Palestinian statehood. Washington and Tel Aviv have not yet commented on the pact, which could cause serious geopolitical turmoil.