On September 19, 2025, Pakistan and Saudi Arabia signed a Strategic Mutual Defense Agreement, committing not to recognize any aggression against one State as an act of aggression against the other. Although Pakitan made it very clear that nuclear weapons were not on the table, analysts argue that the pact effectively places the nuclear deterrent of Pakistan in the security context of the Middle East.
Riyadh has long needed greater defense assurances, and this agreement is an indication of a deepening of military collaboration despite an increase in tension within the region.
