Iran, Saudi Arabia discuss regional 'insecurity' as Yemen fighting flares

Iranian Foreign Minister Abbas Araghchi and Pakistan's army chief Asim Munir have met to discuss de-escalating tensions in the region, including the potential resumption of US-Iran negotiations. The talks centered on the ongoing war between the US and Iran, the possibility of returning to negotiations, and recent Houthi attacks on Saudi Arabia, according to sources cited by Reuters.

These discussions occurred following Pakistan's warning to Iran to curb the Iran-backed Houthis as the latter intensified their attacks on Saudi Arabia. Pakistan shares a defense pact with Saudi Arabia and Turkey, which considers an attack on one as an attack on all three nations. Pakistan's Defense Minister Khawaja Asif stated that Islamabad is seeking a diplomatic resolution, but emphasized that "unprovoked aggression or spillover ... into Saudi Arabia will definitely make this agreement operational."

Pakistan's Foreign Ministry condemned the "reprehensible" Houthi attacks and reaffirmed its unwavering support for Saudi Arabia's sovereignty, territorial integrity, and security. An Iranian official confirmed that Pakistan had relayed Saudi Arabia's message, but Iran denied controlling the Houthis. Tehran reportedly instructed the Houthis to target Saudi Arabia last week and promised them additional funding and weapons.

The latest talks also come as Pakistan pushes the US and Iran to resume negotiations following the breakdown of an MoU brokered by Pakistan and Qatar earlier this year. The lack of trust and willingness to implement the MoU is cited as reasons for its failure, according to Pakistan's UN ambassador Asim Iftikhar Ahmad. Several Gulf foreign ministers are reportedly planning to meet Araghchi in Salalah, Oman, on Monday.

Meanwhile, Iran's Islamic Revolutionary Guard Corps claimed its navy intercepted a US "Saildrone-type" unmanned vessel in the Strait of Hormuz, alleging it thwarted the vessel's "aggressive mission." The United Kingdom's Maritime Trade Operations center reported receiving a report of projectiles striking two vessels off the coast of Oman.

These incidents occur amid heightened tensions in and around the Strait of Hormuz, where attacks on shipping and military activity have escalated in recent days. Reports indicate that Iran may have resumed ballistic missile production, assembling them in underground facilities across the country. US and Middle East officials confirmed Iran has been assembling liquid-propelled and solid-propellant missiles using stockpiled parts and stockpiled components.