Islamabad/Riyadh - A bold proposal to replace American military bases in the Gulf with Pakistani forces is rapidly gaining momentum across the region, just days after Pakistan successfully brokered a fragile ceasefire in the US-Israel-Iran conflict.
The idea surged in popularity following a widely circulated post by prominent Pakistani analyst Hijab on Thursday, in which she argued that Pakistan's deep ties with Iran, its battle-hardened and professional troops, and its neutral stance make it a far safer security partner for Gulf countries than U.S. forces.
The call has struck a chord after six weeks of intense fighting in which U.S. and Israeli strikes targeted Iran, followed by fierce Iranian retaliation that severely damaged American bases across Qatar, UAE, Kuwait, Bahrain, Saudi Arabia, and Jordan.
Supporters of the proposal highlight Pakistan's strong defense pact with Saudi Arabia, its long history of training Gulf militaries, and its unique ability to maintain working relations with both Iran and Arab states. Many Gulf voices now argue that hosting Pakistani troops would significantly reduce the risk of their countries becoming direct targets in any future escalation.
"Pakistan has proven it can deliver peace. Its forces are disciplined, experienced, and won't drag us into unnecessary wars," read one viral post from a UAE-based analyst that has been shared thousands of times.
The suggestion comes as the April 8 Pakistan-brokered ceasefire continues to hold under strain, with upcoming U.S.-led talks expected to test its durability.
Not everyone is convinced. Critics point to Pakistan's past cooperation with the United States, including previously hosting U.S. bases, and longstanding accusations regarding its military's conduct in Afghanistan. Some Gulf commentators have also expressed reservations about Pakistan's close relationship with Iran.
Despite the criticism, the debate has spotlighted growing anxiety among Gulf leaders who fear being caught in the crossfire of future Iran-U.S.-Israel tensions.
Pakistani officials have so far remained cautious, neither confirming nor denying any formal requests, but many analysts believe quiet backchannel discussions may already be underway.
The growing calls reflect a significant shift in regional thinking: after Pakistan's diplomatic triumph in brokering the ceasefire, several Gulf states appear increasingly open to relying on Islamabad for security guarantees rather than Washington.
