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Supporters of the Markazi Muslim League (PMML) shout slogans during a protest against soaring fuel prices driven by the aftermath of the Middle East war, in Karachi, Pakistan, on May 17. While Pakistan is known to have mediated the truce between the United States and Iran, it has also reportedly dispatched a fighter squadron and approximately 8,000 troops to Saudi Arabia, facing a mounting burden on both diplomatic and economic fronts. / AFP·Yonhap News

Pakistan dispatched a fighter squadron, approximately 8,000 troops, and air defense systems to Saudi Arabia in early April during the height of the military conflict between Iran and Saudi Arabia, Reuters reported on May 18 (local time), citing Pakistani security officials and intelligence sources. This is the first time it has been revealed that Pakistan, while publicly mediating peace talks between the United States and Iran, simultaneously deployed a massive military force behind the scenes to defend Saudi Arabia.

According to sources, Pakistan deployed an "operationally ready force capable of assisting Saudi Arabia in the event of further attacks," under a mutual defense pact signed between the two nations last year. The military assets moved to Saudi Arabia in early April include a squadron of about 16 fighter jets, centered around the JF-17 aircraft jointly produced with China. This force was further augmented by two drone squadrons, Chinese-made HQ-9 air defense systems, and roughly 8,000 ground troops. Two security officials noted that the deployment of naval vessels was also included in the agreement, though it remains unconfirmed whether they have actually arrived in Saudi waters. The Pakistani military, its Ministry of Foreign Affairs, and the Saudi government's media office did not respond to requests for comment.

All deployed equipment is operated by Pakistani personnel, with Saudi Arabia fully funding the costs. While a source explained that the primary mission of the newly dispatched air and ground forces is advisory and training, this deployment adds to the Pakistani military personnel already stationed in Saudi Arabia for combat missions.

One government source who reviewed the original text of the agreement stated it contains a provision allowing up to 80,000 Pakistani troops to be deployed to defend Saudi borders. Although the full text of the pact remains classified, both sides have publicly confirmed they will engage in mutual defense if either party is attacked. Pakistani Defense Minister Khawaja Asif previously hinted that this agreement effectively places Saudi Arabia under Pakistan's nuclear umbrella.

The most notable aspect of this development is that Pakistan provided this military support while simultaneously serving as a key mediator in negotiations between the United States and Iran. Pakistan dispatched the fighter jets to Saudi Arabia immediately after Iranian missiles struck Saudi energy facilities and claimed the life of a Saudi national, a time when fears were mounting that a massive Saudi retaliation could spark a wider war. Pakistan subsequently emerged as a mediator, hosting the only peace talks between the U.S. and Iran in Islamabad, which ultimately secured the U.S.-Iran truce that has held for the past six weeks.

Nevertheless, evidence suggests that clashes have not completely ceased even while the truce remains in effect. Reuters previously reported that Saudi Arabia conducted multiple covert retaliatory strikes targeting the Iranian mainland following the attacks on its own territory. Pakistan has long provided military assistance to Saudi Arabia in the form of training and advice, while Saudi Arabia has consistently backed Pakistan with financial aid whenever the latter faced economic crises.