Pakistan Weighs Response to Houthi Attacks on Saudi Oil Tankers

Pakistan has condemned recent attacks on Saudi oil tankers in the Red Sea by Iran-backed Houthi militia, warning that any threat to Pakistani maritime interests could be met with 'lawful use of force.'

The country's foreign ministry expressed its commitment to a mutual defense agreement with Saudi Arabia, which includes a 'collective security' clause. This means that an attack on one country is considered an attack on both.

Pakistan has close military and strategic ties with Saudi Arabia, and Pakistani troops have been stationed in Yemen in support of the Saudis. However, Islamabad's relationship with Iran is also complex, and it has been a key mediator between Tehran and Washington to end the Iran war.

The analysts agreed that Pakistan will likely back maritime security and freedom of navigation while avoiding direct strikes on Houthi targets amid the looming US-Iran conflict. But if the Red Sea conflict escalates, staying neutral may become increasingly difficult as pressure from Riyadh and Tehran grows.