Pakistan Expresses Concern Over Iranian Leadership Divisions and Yemen Conflict Escalation

Pakistani officials have voiced concern over growing divisions within Iran's political leadership, noting a widening gap between the country's political leaders and the Islamic Revolutionary Guard Corps (IRGC). According to sources in Islamabad speaking to Reuters, figures such as Iranian President Masoud Pezeshkian, Foreign Minister Abbas Araghchi, and Parliament Speaker Mohammad Baqer Qalibaf are increasingly distancing themselves from the IRGC's positions.

In parallel, Pakistan is worried about the renewed fighting between Yemen's Houthi rebels and Saudi Arabia, fearing it could escalate into a broader conflict involving Pakistan due to its defense alliance with Saudi Arabia signed last year. A senior Pakistani official emphasized, "Attacks on Saudi Arabia are attacks on Pakistan; this is a red line for us."

Two sources also revealed that Pakistani troops are stationed near the Saudi-Yemen border, heightening their exposure to potential escalation. In May, Reuters reported that Pakistan had deployed a significant military force in Saudi Arabia, including thousands of soldiers, a fighter jet squadron, and air defense systems, as part of the defense pact aimed at supporting the Saudi military.

Pakistan maintains historically warm ties with both Iran and Gulf countries and acts as a key mediator between the United States and Iran amid ongoing tensions. Beyond geopolitical considerations, Pakistan has clear economic interests in mediation efforts, as the closure of the Strait of Hormuz has disrupted global energy supplies and exposed Pakistan's vulnerability due to its reliance on oil and liquefied natural gas imports from the Gulf region.