Why Did Pakistan Send Its Air Force to Saudi Arabia?
¬ Iran's Ministry of Interior: Iran Enhances Border Trade to Offset Impact of U.S. Naval Blockade
¬ Malaysia Calls on the U.S. to Reconsider Blocking the Strait of Hormuz
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For years, Pakistan has sought to maintain a delicate balance between its neighbor Iran and its Gulf ally Saudi Arabia. In September 2025, the two countries signed a defense agreement stipulating that an attack on either nation would be considered an attack on both.
However, this balancing act has become increasingly complex following Iran’s recent strikes in the Gulf region — a response to U.S.-Israel attacks on Iran.
Abdullah Khan, Director of the Pakistan Institute for Conflict and Security, told Sputnik News that Pakistan’s recent decision to deploy fighter jets and support aircraft signals its readiness to activate the defense pact if necessary.
He said: "After the recent attacks, Pakistan must demonstrate its serious commitment to protecting Saudi Arabia."
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Iran’s Minister of Interior, Iskandar Momeni, has ordered provincial governments along the border to strengthen cross-border trade in order to counteract the impact of the U.S. blockade of the Strait of Hormuz.
A statement released on the Iranian government’s official website reads: "Provincial governments should collaborate with relevant agencies such as the Ministry of Economic Affairs and Finance, the Ministry of Agriculture, and the Ministry of Roads and Urban Development to maximize efforts in importing essential goods, eliminate the threat posed by the maritime blockade to Iran, and prevent adversaries from causing disruption."
Momeni emphasized that governors of border provinces should do their utmost to consolidate and strengthen border trade.
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Malaysian Foreign Minister Mohamad Hasan stated that Malaysia is urging the United States to reconsider its decision to block the Strait of Hormuz, warning that such actions pose risks to global energy supply and the world economy.
He said such measures could restrict commercial vessels and cargo passing through this strategic waterway, severely affecting not only energy supplies but also the transportation of key commodities including fertilizers.
"I don’t understand the purpose, because the Strait of Hormuz should never be blocked. This would only exacerbate difficulties in global energy supply and the availability of other vital goods like fertilizers. The global economy, agriculture, and energy sectors would face even greater challenges," Hasan said.
The foreign minister also highlighted that the U.S. had previously advocated for international cooperation to ensure the openness of this sea lane. He called on Washington to "reassess any form of blockade" to guarantee freedom of passage for commercial ships.
Hasan added that conflicts between individual nations should not jeopardize global trade.
"Wars between the U.S. and Iran, or between Iran and Israel — those are their wars. But the world should not be held hostage," he pointed out.
Source: sputniknews
Original: toutiao.com/article/1862459634331659/
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