Pakistan and Iran discuss de-escalation and Houthi attacks on Saudi Arabia

Iranian Foreign Minister Abbas Araghchi and Pakistani Army Chief Asim Munir met to discuss de-escalating regional conflicts, with a focus on potential resumption of US-Iran negotiations, according to sources. The talks also addressed recent Houthi attacks on Saudi Arabia. Pakistan, bound by a defense pact with both Saudi Arabia and Turkey, views an attack on one country as an attack on all three.

Pakistani Defense Minister Khawaja Asif stated that Islamabad is seeking a diplomatic solution but warned that any unprovoked aggression or spillover into Saudi Arabia would trigger the agreement. The Pakistani Foreign Ministry condemned the "reprehensible" Houthi attacks and reaffirmed its support for Saudi Arabia's sovereignty and security.

Tehran has denied controlling the Houthis and has allegedly instructed the group to target Saudi Arabia, promising them additional funding and weapons. The discussions come as Pakistan pushes for the US and Iran to restart negotiations following the collapse of a memorandum of understanding brokered by Pakistan and Qatar this year.

Gulf foreign ministers are reportedly planning to meet Iranian Foreign Minister Araghchi in Salalah, Oman, on Monday. Meanwhile, Iran's Islamic Revolutionary Guard Corps claimed to have intercepted a US "Saildrone-type" unmanned vessel in the Strait of Hormuz, while the UK Maritime Trade Operations center reported projectiles hitting two vessels off the coast of Oman.

These incidents highlight heightened tensions in the region, where attacks on shipping and military activity have increased recently. Reports suggest Iran has restarted ballistic missile production, including both liquid-propelled and solid-propellant missiles.