Pakistan warns Iran on Houthi attacks

Pakistan has issued a stern warning to Iran regarding the Houthi militia's actions, following a series of missile attacks on Saudi Arabian oil facilities, according to sources in Islamabad. The nuclear-armed nation, which maintains defense pacts with Saudi Arabia, conveyed its concerns to Iran after the escalating attacks, sources reported. In response, the Saudi kingdom launched airstrikes against the targets, further escalating the situation in the Middle East.

The United States has also targeted Iranian territory and naval assets around the Strait of Hormuz, deepening the crisis. Pakistan, which has been mediating between the United States and Iran since March of this year, entered into a bilateral defense agreement with Saudi Arabia last year. This year, the country also participated in a trilateral defense agreement with Saudi Arabia and Turkey, which stipulates that an attack on any of the nations is considered an attack on all.

According to a Pakistani source, Pakistan may be compelled to enter the war theater at some point, which it seeks to avoid. Consequently, a warning was sent to Iran, it was stated. Pakistan deployed its air force, fighter jets, and ground troops in Saudi Arabia under the bilateral agreement to provide defense to the kingdom. While the Pakistani Air Force is unlikely to participate in air sorties against the Houthi rebels in Yemen, the nation's air defense mechanisms would be activated in case of further attacks.

The issue of Houthi activities in the Red Sea also gained prominence when Pakistan's military chief, General Asim Munir, visited Tehran last week, according to a source.