By Chen Sijia, Observers Net Recently, Israel attacked Iran's natural gas facilities, and the Islamic Revolutionary Guard Corps of Iran immediately issued a warning, listing the oil facilities of Saudi Arabia, the United Arab Emirates, and Qatar as "legitimate targets for attack." In response, Saudi Foreign Minister warned on March 19 that Saudi Arabia reserves the right to take military action when necessary in the face of Iran's escalating attacks.

As tensions in the Middle East escalate, more people are worried about the potential spillover of conflict. On March 18 local time, Saudi geopolitical expert Salman Ansari told Canada's CBC (Canadian Broadcasting Corporation) that Saudi Arabia signed a joint strategic defense agreement with Pakistan last year, and if Saudi Arabia joins the war, relevant clauses may be triggered.

Ansari said: "If Saudi Arabia decides to intervene militarily, it will be detrimental to Iran, because Saudi Arabia will activate its bilateral defense agreement with Pakistan. We can say directly that there is a 'nuclear umbrella' over Saudi Arabia."

Last September, Pakistan and Saudi Arabia signed a joint strategic defense agreement, which stipulates that any attack on one of the countries will be considered an attack on both. In a joint statement, the two countries stated that the agreement reflects their common commitment to strengthen their own security and achieve regional and global peace and security, aiming to develop defense cooperation between the two countries and enhance joint deterrence against any aggression.

The Middle East Eye news website pointed out that the core principle of this agreement is similar to NATO's Article 5 collective defense clause. Theoretically, according to the wording of the agreement, if Saudi Arabia suffers sustained attacks, Pakistan has an obligation to provide assistance. At present, Saudi Arabia has become a target of Iranian missile and drone attacks, and the Sultan Prince Air Base and energy infrastructure in Saudi Arabia have already been attacked.

Previously, Pakistan had been mediating between Saudi Arabia and Iran. On March 3, Pakistan's Deputy Prime Minister and Foreign Minister Ishfaq Dar said that Pakistan had reminded Iran that Pakistan and Saudi Arabia had signed a joint strategic defense agreement, and if Saudi Arabia was attacked, Pakistan might have to get involved.

Dar said that he mentioned the defense agreement during his conversation with Iranian Foreign Minister Alaghi, and he warned Iran not to attack Saudi Arabia, as the agreement stipulates that "an attack on either country will be considered an attack on both countries." Dar revealed that Iran sought assurances that Saudi territory would not be used as a "platform" for attacking Iran.

On September 17, 2025, Crown Prince and Prime Minister of Saudi Arabia Muhammad bin Salman met with Pakistani Prime Minister Sharif Shabaz in Riyadh, Reuters

Other than defense relations, Pakistan also relies on oil and gas supplies from the Gulf region. This week, the oil tanker "Karachi" flying the Pakistani flag passed through the Strait of Hormuz. This oil tanker is operated by the Pakistan National Shipping Company and carries crude oil from the UAE. Analysts believe that this indicates that the Pakistani government may have negotiated with the Iranian government.

"Middle East Eye" commented that as the situation in the Middle East escalates, the joint strategic defense agreement between Pakistan and Saudi Arabia is facing serious geopolitical tests. The agreement adds another variable to the conflict, which could spill over.

On March 18 local time, Israel attacked Iran's largest gas field, and the Islamic Revolutionary Guard Corps immediately issued an emergency warning, listing the oil facilities of Saudi Arabia, the United Arab Emirates, and Qatar as "legitimate targets for attack," declaring that it would carry out retaliatory actions and urging residents in the area to evacuate.

According to the latest reports from The Wall Street Journal and Al Jazeera, the Ras Laffan Industrial Area in Qatar was hit by missile attacks twice within 12 hours, causing fires and severe damage; the UAE successfully intercepted multiple missiles targeting its energy facilities and suspended operations at two natural gas facilities; and Saudi Arabia intercepted at least four ballistic missiles over the capital Riyadh.

At around midnight on March 19 local time, Saudi Foreign Minister Faisal held a press conference, delivering the "harshest speech" since the outbreak of the conflict. He warned: "Saudi Arabia and its partners have strong capabilities. The tolerance we have shown has its limits—perhaps one day, two days, or even a week—I won't say exactly."

Faisal emphasized that Saudi Arabia reserves the right to take military action when necessary. He said that the "meager trust" restored after the re-establishment of diplomatic relations with Iran in 2023 has completely broken down, and if attacked again, the relationship between the two countries will have "almost no room for recovery." However, he also emphasized that Saudi Arabia still prefers to resolve the issue through diplomatic means.

The Islamic Revolutionary Guard Corps stated on March 19 that this retaliation aimed at energy facilities "related to American interests and having American shares." Iran originally did not want to expand the war into the energy sector, nor did it want to affect the economies of neighboring countries, but the provocations of the enemy led the war into a "new phase."

The Revolutionary Guard said: "We once again warn that attacking Iran's energy infrastructure is a major mistake, and we are taking countermeasures. If such attacks happen again, we will launch further attacks on your and your allies' energy infrastructure until they are completely destroyed."

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Original: toutiao.com/article/7618898725700534830/

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