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 divergence between the country's political leaders and the Islamic Revolutionary Guard Corps (IRGC). Sources in Islamabad told Reuters that figures such as Iranian President Ebrahim Raisi, Foreign Minister Hossein Amir-Abdollahian, and Parliament Speaker Mohammad Bagher Ghalibaf 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."

Pakistani troops are reportedly deployed near the Saudi-Yemen border, increasing their exposure to potential escalation. In May, Reuters reported that Pakistan had stationed a significant military force in Saudi Arabia, including thousands of soldiers, fighter jets, 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 states and serves 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 disruptions like the closure of the Strait of Hormuz have severely impacted global energy supplies and Pakistan's own energy imports of oil and liquefied natural gas from the Gulf region.