Pakistan on Tuesday condemned missile and drone strikes carried out by Iran on Saudi Arabia’s energy facilities, calling the attacks “a dangerous escalation” that violated the Kingdom’s sovereignty and threatened regional peace.
In an official statement, the Foreign Office (FO) expressed “deep concern and unequivocal condemnation” of the attacks, mourning the loss of life and “strongly deploring the damage inflicted on vital infrastructure.” The statement extended Pakistan’s condolences to the families of victims and reaffirmed the country’s “unwavering support for the Kingdom’s security.”
The strikes targeted Saudi Arabia’s Eastern Region, including a petrochemical complex operated by the Saudi Basic Industries Corporation (SABIC) in Jubail. Witnesses reported explosions and fires at the facilities, prompting the evacuation of workers from residential quarters. Jubail is a major industrial hub, producing steel, gasoline, petrochemicals, lubricating oil, and chemical fertilisers.
Saudi authorities said their ballistic missile and drone defences intercepted most projectiles, though debris landed near energy installations. Bahrain, the United Arab Emirates, and Saudi Arabia issued public safety alerts, and the bridge connecting Saudi Arabia and Bahrain was briefly closed as a precaution.
Iran has intensified attacks on Gulf states following U.S. and Israeli strikes on February 28, with hundreds of missiles and drones launched toward Saudi Arabia and other regional targets. Islamabad has repeatedly condemned Iranian strikes while also denouncing attacks on Iran, and it has facilitated dialogue between Washington and Tehran to prevent further escalation.
Pakistan and Saudi Arabia last year signed a Strategic Mutual Defence Agreement, under which an attack on either country is considered an attack on both. Deputy Prime Minister and Foreign Minister Ishaq Dar previously confirmed that Pakistan had reminded Iran of this pact at the onset of the conflict.
Amid rising tensions, Chief of Defence Forces and Army Chief Asim Munir met Saudi Defence Minister Khalid bin Salman Al Saud, while Prime Minister Shehbaz Sharif met Saudi Crown Prince Mohammed bin Salman. During the latter meeting, the Prime Minister reiterated Pakistan’s “full solidarity and support” for Saudi Arabia and committed to cooperation for regional peace and stability.
The ongoing conflict has disrupted global energy markets, with Iran’s partial blockade of the Strait of Hormuz contributing to rising oil prices and economic uncertainty worldwide. Pakistan’s statement reflects its continued diplomatic balancing act: condemning aggression while promoting dialogue to prevent further regional escalation.