Pakistan Plans Pipeline Oil Imports If Iran Closes Strait of Hormuz

Amid escalating tensions in the Middle East, Pakistan is strategically preparing for potential disruptions in oil supplies due to the Israel-Iran conflict, exploring alternative pipeline routes through Saudi Arabia and the UAE to bypass the Strait of Hormuz, a key global oil transit route. Concurrently, Pakistan is strengthening its political and economic alignment with Iran, reflecting shared border concerns and mutual security threats, notably from insurgent groups in the Baluchistan region. In a significant diplomatic development, Pakistan's Army Chief Field Marshal Asim Munir met with U.S. President Donald Trump, who urged Pakistan to support the U.S. in a possible conflict with Iran, offering advanced military technology and financial aid in exchange for Pakistan distancing itself from China and Russia. This U.S. proposal signals a major pivot in regional alliances, with Trump emphasizing Pakistan's unique position of understanding both Iran and Israel. However, experts like former Pentagon official Michael Rubin express skepticism about the U.S.-Pakistan alliance, warning against overestimating Pakistan's reliability and suggesting that U.S. interests may be driving diplomatic overtures rather than genuine partnership. These dynamics underscore Pakistan's complex geopolitical balancing act amid the intensifying Israel-Iran conflict and shifting U.S. foreign policy priorities.