Pakistan, Saudi Arabia Sign Defense Pact Amid Regional Tensions Post-May 2025 Conflict

Pakistan's military strategy, centered on Full Spectrum Deterrence (FSD) under its Minimum Deterrence Posture, demonstrated significant effectiveness during the May 2025 conflict with India by destroying advanced Indian aircraft and challenging perceptions of its military capabilities beyond nuclear deterrence. This success has elevated Pakistan's status as a conventional deterrent and security provider to its allies, expanding its defense cooperation beyond traditional religious alignments. In contrast, proposals for a joint Arab military force to counter Israel are criticized as ineffective due to deep-seated regional divisions, weak state structures, and authoritarian regimes prioritizing survival over collective defense. Meanwhile, Iran's Chief of Staff Major General Abdolrahim Mousavi highlighted the country's enhanced defensive readiness, which has deterred new aggression, citing responses to recent Israeli and U.S. strikes and emphasizing sustainable security through strengthened military capacities. Iran's retaliatory actions, including missile strikes on U.S. bases in the region, underscore its commitment to protecting territorial integrity and deterring future attacks. Together, these developments reflect shifting military dynamics and strategic postures in South Asia and the Middle East, emphasizing deterrence and self-defense amid ongoing regional conflicts.