Pakistan Army chief Field Marshal Asim Munir has discussed the recent Houthi attacks on Saudi Arabia with Iranian Foreign Minister Abbas Araghchi, as concerns grow over the widening conflict in West Asia.
A Pakistani official familiar with the matter told Reuters that Munir’s conversation with Araghchi mainly focused on diplomatic efforts to end the ongoing conflict between the United States and Iran. However, Pakistan also raised concerns about the latest attacks by Yemen’s Houthi movement against Saudi targets.
The discussion comes days after Pakistan’s Defence Minister Khawaja Asif warned that Islamabad could activate its newly signed defence agreement with Saudi Arabia and Turkey if the situation worsens. The agreement, signed on August 7, commits the three countries to mutual defence in the event of aggression against one of the members.
Pakistan has so far avoided announcing any military response to the Houthis. Foreign ministry spokesperson Sajjad Haider Khan said that there was currently no military plan in place but added that Islamabad was prepared to act if the situation required it.
The Houthis are an Iran-aligned militant group based in Yemen and are widely regarded as part of Tehran’s regional network of allies. The group has been involved in attacks linked to the wider conflict in West Asia.
Asim Munir’s conversation with the Iranian foreign minister is therefore also being viewed as an effort to encourage Tehran to use its influence over the Houthis and prevent further escalation involving Saudi Arabia.
The Saudi-Houthi conflict has roots in Yemen’s civil war, which began in 2014. Tensions increased sharply in July after Saudi Arabia reportedly prevented an Iranian aircraft carrying a senior Houthi official from landing in Sana’a.
Since then, Saudi Arabia and the Houthis have exchanged attacks. A recent Houthi assault targeted Saudi oil giant Aramco, Abha International Airport and King Khalid air base. Saudi authorities said at least 73 people were injured.
The Houthis have also accused Saudi Arabia of conducting airstrikes in Yemen that killed 11 people.
Another major point of tension is the Bab el-Mandab Strait, where Houthi attacks and threats against shipping have affected a key route for Saudi oil exports. With traffic through the Strait of Hormuz already severely disrupted by the US-Iran conflict, the Red Sea route has gained even greater strategic importance.
Pakistan’s diplomatic engagement with Iran comes as Islamabad attempts to balance its ties with both Tehran and Riyadh while keeping its new defence commitments under review.
Reader Comments 0