Pakistan condemned attacks on Saudi oil tankers in the Red Sea by Iran-backed Yemeni Houthi militia last week as the conflict in the Middle East threatens to expand.
In a statement, the Pakistani Foreign Ministry warned that any Houthi threat to Pakistani maritime interests in the Red Sea could be met with the "lawful use of force."
Pakistan enjoys a trade and security relationship with Saudi Arabia, and Pakistani-flagged vessels frequent Saudi ports in the Red Sea. Last September, Pakistan and Saudi Arabia signed a mutual defense agreement that contains a "collective security" clause, meaning attack on one country is considered an attack on both.
After the Houthis launched missiles at southern Saudi Arabia last week, Pakistan's Foreign Ministry expressed its "unwavering commitment" to the security pact.
At the same time, Pakistan also has ties with Iran, and has been a key mediator between Tehran and Washington to end the Iran war.
