Pakistan engages Iran diplomatically amid escalating Houthi-Saudi conflict
Iran's foreign minister held phone calls with Pakistan's military chief and Saudi Arabia's foreign minister as the Houthi-Saudi war intensifies. Houthi attacks have wounded dozens and disrupted oil facilities, while Houthi fighters have advanced along Yemen's Red Sea coast. Pakistan faces pressure to support Saudi Arabia while maintaining ties with Iran.
The Houthi offensive has secured Yemen's entire Red Sea coastline, including islands near the Bab al-Mandeb strait, while their missiles and drones wounded dozens in Saudi cities and ignited oil infrastructure. Brent crude climbed past $107 per barrel as fears grew over simultaneous pressure on Saudi Arabia's primary export routes.
Pakistan's defence minister has publicly warned that a trilateral mutual defence pact with Saudi Arabia and Turkiye would be activated if the conflict spreads further. Islamabad's foreign office has carefully declined to confirm or deny specific military requests, instead emphasizing continued dialogue, a nuance noted by former diplomats.
This diplomatic maneuvering could significantly affect regional stability and global energy security. If Pakistan's balancing act fails, it may face severe internal and external pressures, potentially destabilizing its economy and security. Meanwhile, continued Houthi advances could disrupt international shipping and oil supplies, impacting consumers worldwide and exacerbating humanitarian crises in Yemen. The outcome may also reshape alliances across the Middle East, influencing future conflict resolution efforts.