RIYADH - Saudi Arabia's Crown Prince Mohammed bin Salman has expressed full support for Pakistan's mediation efforts to end the ongoing war between Iran and the United States, marking a significant diplomatic endorsement from the Kingdom.
The announcement came during a Saudi Cabinet meeting chaired by the Crown Prince in Riyadh on Tuesday, according to reports from Saudi media . The development strengthens Pakistan's position as the primary mediator in one of the world's most volatile conflicts.
The Saudi Cabinet formally reviewed current regional developments during its session, with the Crown Prince at the helm. In its official statement, the Cabinet stressed the urgent need for de-escalation in the region and explicitly declared its support for Pakistani mediation and diplomatic efforts to reach a political resolution .
"The Cabinet reviewed current regional developments, stressing the need for de-escalation and supporting Pakistani mediation and diplomatic efforts to reach a political solution that spares the region further tension and instability," the Saudi Press Agency reported .
The Cabinet also reiterated the importance of restoring freedom of international navigation in the Strait of Hormuz to its pre-conflict status, ensuring the safe and unhindered passage of ships .
In addition to the diplomatic endorsement, the Crown Prince approved special Memoranda of Understanding (MoUs) between Saudi Arabia and Pakistan, according to Saudi media reports. While specific details of the newly approved MoUs are yet to be disclosed, the development signals deepening economic and strategic ties between the two brotherly nations .
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Saudi Arabia's Crown Prince Mohammed bin Salman, during a cabinet meeting in Riyadh, expressed full support for Pakistan's mediation efforts to stop the Iran-US war.
He also approved special MoUs between Saudi Arabia and Pakistan, reports Saudi Media. pic.twitter.com/WPvyEgFcC1
The approval follows a series of recent agreements between Islamabad and Riyadh. In February 2026, private sector entities from both countries signed an MoU to establish the "Saudi-Pakistan Bridge Initiative," a bilateral platform designed to accelerate private sector investment flows and cross-border economic partnerships, with joint venture projects worth $500 million being discussed .
Pakistan and Saudi Arabia have significantly expanded their cooperation over the past year. In September 2025, the two nations signed a Strategic Mutual Defence Agreement, under which any attack on either country is considered "an aggression against both" . According to analysts, this pact implies that Pakistan's nuclear arsenal could be viewed as part of a joint deterrence umbrella with Saudi Arabia .
Previously, in October 2025, both nations agreed to launch an economic cooperation framework to strengthen bilateral trade and investment relations. Prior to that, in April 2025, they signed twenty-seven MoUs for cooperation in diverse fields, particularly in energy, agriculture, mining, human resources, and cyber security .
Saudi Arabia's endorsement is a major diplomatic victory for Pakistan, which has emerged as the sole credible mediator between Tehran and Washington . According to analysis from The Diplomat, Pakistan has preserved a reputation as a relatively neutral actor with longstanding connections to both sides of the conflict .
Pakistan maintains established ties with Iran's Islamic Republic while sustaining a working relationship with the Trump administration . Army Chief Field Marshal Asim Munir has personally spoken with President Trump to discuss the situation and assess Washington's openness to dialogue, while similar exchanges have continued with Iranian counterparts .
Several factors set Pakistan apart from other potential mediators:
No US Military Bases on Pakistani Soil - Unlike Gulf countries that host American military facilities, Pakistan hosts no US bases, making it a trusted partner for Tehran . Iran has attacked Middle Eastern countries, including Oman and Qatar, for their perceived role in facilitating US attacks. Pakistan has avoided any appearance of military complicity .
Geographical Safety - Pakistan provides ample geographical safety from core conflict flashpoints. It is not in close proximity to the Strait of Hormuz, where tensions remain high. This matters to both US and Iranian negotiators seeking a secure venue for talks .
Support from Both Sides - Pakistan enjoys the trust of Saudi Arabia and the Gulf states while maintaining close ties with Iran . Iran's leadership was among the first to welcome the strategic defense agreement between Pakistan and Saudi Arabia as the beginning of a "comprehensive regional security system" .
Access to US Leadership - Islamabad is among the few countries to have the ear of President Trump, who has voiced his support for Pakistan's top leadership .
Iron-Clad Relationship with China - Pakistan's alignment with China on the "five-point" peace plan and shared commitment to de-escalation strengthens its mediating potential .
The Saudi endorsement comes amid renewed hostilities in the region. A ceasefire that began on April 8 through Pakistani mediation had temporarily paused the war between the US-Israel alliance and Iran . However, the conflict has reignited this week after attacks by Iran .
On Monday, the UAE and Oman reported that Iran had fired drones and missiles toward their territory, which were intercepted. The US also said they destroyed six Iranian boats, while Iran claimed it struck a US frigate in the Strait of Hormuz .
The escalation follows President Trump's announcement that the US military would help stranded ships traverse the Hormuz. The strait has been effectively closed to shipping since the war began on February 28, drastically impacting energy shipping and causing oil and gas prices to soar .
Saudi Arabia's public endorsement of Pakistan's mediation role strengthens Islamabad's position as a key diplomatic player in the Muslim world. The approval of special MoUs with Saudi Arabia signals growing confidence in Pakistan's economic and strategic partnership with the Kingdom.
For Pakistan, the endorsement means:
Enhanced credibility as a regional mediator
Stronger ties with Saudi Arabia, a critical economic partner
Continued access to both Washington and Tehran
Expanded economic cooperation through new MoUs
Recognition of Pakistan's rising stature on the global stage
For Saudi Arabia, supporting Pakistan's mediation aligns with the Kingdom's interest in regional stability and de-escalation. The Crown Prince also condemned Iranian attacks targeting the UAE during the cabinet meeting, affirming Saudi Arabia's support for the UAE in its defense of its security and stability .
As the Iran-US war enters a critical phase, Pakistan continues to push for dialogue and de-escalation. The Saudi endorsement adds significant weight to Islamabad's diplomatic efforts. Pakistan has previously shuttled multiple peace proposals between the two capitals and hosted the first round of direct talks in Islamabad on April 11-12.
While those talks failed to produce a final agreement, the ceasefire was extended multiple times through Pakistan's persistent engagement. With Saudi Arabia now formally backing Islamabad's role, the prospects for renewed negotiations may improve.
The international community has taken note of Pakistan's emergence as a pivotal mediator. Observers have noted that Pakistan's role illustrates how middle powers can punch above their weight when larger actors are hemmed in by their own alignments . Whether this role broadens into substantive negotiations will depend on decisions made in Tehran and Washington as much as on Islamabad's continued navigation of a delicate diplomatic path .
