1 day ago
Pakistan Warns Iran as Saudi Arabia Weighs Houthi Retaliation
The Houthis in Yemen have attacked places in Saudi Arabia.
One attack reportedly injured 73 people and damaged or targeted important facilities.
Pakistan warned Iran to try to stop the attacks because Iran is believed by some sources to influence the Houthis.
Iran said it does not control the group.
Other Iranian sources gave a different account, saying Iran encouraged the attacks and offered more help.
Pakistan, Saudi Arabia, and Turkey have discussed how to protect Saudi Arabia.
They said their troops would not enter Yemen.
Pakistan says it currently prefers diplomacy and may only defend Saudi territory if the conflict spreads there.
Pakistan reportedly urged Iran to restrain Houthi attacks on Saudi Arabia after a strike injured 73 people.
The Houthis reportedly targeted an airbase and oil infrastructure near Khamis Mushait on Tuesday.
Pakistan’s defense minister said attacks spilling into Saudi Arabia could activate a security arrangement with Turkey and Saudi Arabia.
Iranian officials said Tehran does not control the Houthis, while other Iranian sources alleged Iran encouraged and supported the attacks.
Saudi, Pakistani, and Turkish officials reportedly discussed a response launched from Saudi territory, while ruling out sending troops into Yemen.
- Who
- Pakistan, Saudi Arabia, Iran, the Houthi movement in Yemen, and Turkey are involved in the reported diplomatic and military discussions.
- What
- Pakistan reportedly conveyed a Saudi warning urging Iran to restrain Houthi attacks, while Saudi Arabia, Pakistan, and Turkey considered defensive coordination.
- Where
- The reported attacks occurred near Khamis Mushait and other Saudi locations; the Houthis are based in Yemen, while officials discussed a response from Saudi territory.
- When
- The reported warning followed attacks on Tuesday; Houthi spokesman Yahya Saree described Saudi airstrikes on Wednesday, and the message was reportedly conveyed within the subsequent 24 hours.
- Why
- Pakistan sought to prevent further escalation and avoid being pressed to take a more active role in defending Saudi Arabia.
Iran’s Stated Position
Reported Counterclaims
Control over the Houthis
Iran’s Stated Position
A senior Iranian official reportedly said Iran does not control the Houthi movement.
Reported Counterclaims
Two Iranian sources reportedly said Tehran instructed the Houthis to attack Saudi Arabia, promised additional funding and weapons, and had Islamic Revolutionary Guard Corps commanders in Yemen to help coordinate operations.
Pakistan’s potential military role
Iran’s Stated Position
Pakistan’s regional diplomat said Islamabad wanted a diplomatic solution and hoped the conflict would not require practical military intervention.
Reported Counterclaims
Pakistan’s defense minister said aggression spilling into Saudi Arabia could activate a joint security arrangement involving Pakistan, Saudi Arabia, and Turkey.
Key facts
- Reported casualties
- The Houthi attack reportedly injured 73 people.
- Reported targets
- An airbase in Khamis Mushait and oil infrastructure in nearby Saudi cities.
- Pakistan’s position
- Pakistan said its defense arrangement is focused on protecting Saudi territory and does not authorize combat on foreign soil.
- Iran’s official response
- A senior Iranian official reportedly said Iran does not control the Houthis.
- Conflicting Iranian account
- Two other Iranian sources reportedly said Tehran had encouraged the attacks and promised additional funding and weapons.
- Military coordination
- Saudi, Pakistani, and Turkish representatives reportedly agreed that any response would be launched from Saudi territory and that troops would not enter Yemen.
Quotes
A senior Iranian official
Iranian official cited by Reuters
“There is no ambiguity or doubt... Unprovoked aggression or spillover... into Saudi Arabia will definitely make this agreement operational.”
firstpost.com
“An aggression on one country will be considered an aggression on all three countries.”
firstpost.com
Sources
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