United Nations/Islamabad – Iranian President Masoud Pezeshkian, addressing the General Debate of the 80th Session of the United Nations General Assembly (UNGA) on September 24, welcomed the defence pact between “the two brotherly Muslim nations, the Kingdom of Saudi Arabia and the Islamic Republic of Pakistan.”

Pezeshkian called the agreement a beginning for a comprehensive regional security framework built on cooperation among Muslim countries in political, security, and defence fields. His remarks mark a rare show of alignment, as Iran and Saudi Arabia have often stood on opposing sides of conflicts in Syria and Yemen.

A Shift in Gulf Dynamics

The endorsement comes two years after Riyadh and Tehran re-established diplomatic relations in 2023 through a China-brokered deal, ending a seven-year rift. Since then, both have taken steps toward rapprochement, including high-level visits and coordinated statements. Earlier this year, Saudi Arabia condemned Israeli strikes on Iran, terming them “aggressions” and a violation of international law.

Also see: Pakistan Shows Diplomatic Maturity Amid Middle East Tensions

Observers say Iran’s backing of the Saudi-Pakistan pact dispels speculation that the agreement might target Tehran. Instead, it signals a collective security approach, reflecting the shared defence concerns of Muslim states in the wake of escalating regional tensions, including the Israel-Qatar conflict and the May 2025 India-Pakistan clashes.

By welcoming the pact, Tehran positioned itself as a “well-wisher” for both Pakistan and Saudi Arabia. Analysts argue the statement strengthens Muslim unity, undercutting attempts by external powers or hostile actors to sow division.

“Enemies will seek to misinterpret Iran’s remarks, but this shows Muslim states are prioritizing unity over rivalry,” a security observer noted.

Broader Cooperation on the Horizon

Pezeshkian suggested that other West Asian states, such as Qatar, Oman, the UAE, Iraq, Turkey, and Azerbaijan, could eventually join such a framework, transforming it into a NATO-style alliance against external threats. His remarks echoed growing calls across the Muslim world for institutionalised cooperation in defence, politics, and economics.
Also see: The New Power Equation: “Joint Deterrence” and the Pakistan-Saudi Pact

Deputy Prime Minister and Foreign Minister Ishaq Dar, speaking separately in London last week, confirmed that “some other countries” had shown interest in striking similar defence agreements with Pakistan following the Saudi pact.

DY PM-FM Ishaq Dar Talks to Media In London I 19-09-2025 | PTV News

Pakistan as a Bridge

Pakistan’s ties with both Riyadh and Tehran position it uniquely as a bridge-builder in Muslim diplomacy. Officials in Islamabad view the pact, and Iran’s endorsement, as a confidence-building step towards reducing mistrust within the Muslim world. “This is a moment where cooperation, not competition, can redefine security for Muslim nations,” a diplomatic source in Islamabad said.

Also see: Pakistan and Saudi Arabia Seal Historic Strategic Mutual Defense Agreement, Vowing Joint Deterrence

Analysts see the Iranian president’s words as more than symbolic. They suggest a future where Muslim nations pursue collective security mechanisms, strengthening resilience against foreign interventions while fostering regional stability.