Pakistan’s Army Chief Asim Munir has urged Iran to help curb Houthi attacks on Saudi Arabia, citing Islamabad’s defense commitments to the Kingdom, according to the Financial Times.
Pakistani officials have reportedly asked Tehran to warn the Houthis against further escalation, noting that Pakistan could be compelled to defend Saudi Arabia if Riyadh invokes a joint defense clause under a security agreement signed by the two countries last year.
Pakistan Cites Defense Commitments
In August, Munir visited Tehran where he met Iranian President Masoud Pezeshkian and other senior officials. He has also held several phone calls with Iranian Foreign Minister Abbas Araghchi, including the latest on Thursday, according to Iran’s state news agency IRNA.
Two people briefed on Munir’s recent discussions said he repeatedly asked Iranian leaders to help put an end to Houthi attacks targeting Saudi Arabia and its energy infrastructure. Moreover, they reported that the Army Chief cited Pakistan’s commitments to the Kingdom but did not issue specific threats.
Meanwhile, a Pakistani official familiar with the talks said Iran considers the escalation a conflict between Saudi Arabia and Yemen, while arguing that the developments also seem to serve Tehran’s broader regional policy.
Islamabad Weighs Its Options
Islamabad now faces a difficult position as regional tensions intensify. Islamabad deployed fighter jets and pilots to an airbase in eastern Saudi Arabia last April, reinforcing its security cooperation with the Kingdom.
At the same time, Pakistan decided not to join the Saudi-led military campaign in Yemen in 2015.
Analysts cited by the Financial Times said Islamabad’s treaty obligations and financial vulnerabilities could make it harder to resist Riyadh if the Kingdom requests military support again.
Diplomatic Efforts Hit a Deadlock
A diplomat said Saudi Arabia has sought regional backing to contain the escalation, but efforts have yet to produce a breakthrough.
The diplomat added that neither side currently appears willing to pursue negotiations, while Saudi Arabia and Yemen’s government continue efforts to push the Houthis away from Red Sea territories, including Mocha, which the group recently captured.
“Everyone is waiting to see what happens over the next two weeks,” the diplomat said.
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Red Sea & Holy Sites Targeted: Saudi Arabia Raises the Alarm on Houthi Escalation
