The proposed dialogue between Iran and the United States in Islamabad is, at first glance, reassuring. It signals a degree of Iranian confidence in Pakistan’s diplomatic role, notwithstanding Islamabad’s military commitment to Saudi Arabia. At a moment of acute regional instability, Iran’s willingness to engage through Pakistan suggests that Islamabad still retains a measure of strategic relevance across competing alliances.

Yet this opening is framed by deeply contested narratives. Since the outset of the war, reports in the American press—The Washington Times and The New York Times—have alleged that Saudi Crown Prince Mohammed bin Salman pressured President Trump to eliminate Ayatollah Khamenei, reportedly killed on the second day of the conflict.

However, such assertions warrant caution. Trump’s well-established tendency to deflect responsibility—onto Netanyahu, allies, or even members of his own cabinet—makes it difficult to separate fact from political expediency. The claim may carry weight, but only if one is prepared to extend the Saudis the benefit of the doubt.

More pressing, however, are the unresolved questions surrounding Pakistan’s Strategic Defence Agreement with Saudi Arabia. Concluded without meaningful public or parliamentary debate, the agreement remains opaque on critical points. Is it directed, implicitly or otherwise, at Iran, Israel, or both? What assurances exist for Pakistan if it faces threats from India or Afghanistan? These questions acquired urgency following cross-border tensions involving Kabul from late 2025 onwards, during which Saudi Arabia’s absence was conspicuous.

Recent statements from Saudi officials and commentators have suggested that the pact could be invoked if Iran continues to strike US bases on Saudi soil. This raises a fundamental question: under what conditions does the agreement become binding? Does it apply only in response to direct aggression, or might it extend to conflicts initiated or facilitated by one of the parties? If so, would Pakistan........

© The Friday Times