Pakistan’s foreign minister has revealed that Iran has proposed a political engagement with Yemen’s Houthis. This idea, following recent attacks attributed to the group, is set to be addressed by a committee under the Mecca defense pact during an emergency meeting scheduled in Riyadh next week.
### Rising Tensions Amid Attacks
Saudi Arabia has been vocal in accusing the Houthis of launching assaults on Islam’s holiest sites. Currently facing mounting threats, the Kingdom is keen to explore diplomatic avenues to mitigate these dangers. The meeting in Riyadh, involving officials from Saudi Arabia, Turkey, and Pakistan, aims to outline the way forward. Foreign Minister Ishaq Dar confirmed that attendees would finalize a date later.
### Iran’s Position and Commitment
Dar addressed Iran’s evolving stance, indicating that the country has distanced itself from the Houthis and other Iraqi militias. Key figures in Iranian leadership, including President Masoud Pezeshkian and Foreign Minister Abbas Araqchi, have expressed a desire to resolve the issues swiftly. Furthermore, Dar explained that he has updated Iranian officials about the Mecca defense pact and reassured them of Pakistan’s commitment to it.
### A Shift Towards Diplomatic Solutions
Describing the dialogue as a good-faith brainstorming session between the two nations’ foreign ministers, Dar stated that no formal, written offer has been made yet. The suggested political approach is considered an alternative to military intervention, which is often termed “kinetic action.” This indicates a shift towards prioritizing dialogue over military responses to ongoing conflicts.
### Interest in Expansion of Defense Pact
In light of rising tensions, Dar disclosed that more than six countries have shown interest in joining the Mecca defense pact, although he did not disclose their identities. Currently, the establishment of new memberships is on hold until the pact has been fully operational, which may take up to a year. This potential expansion could significantly impact regional dynamics, especially among predominantly Muslim states.
### The Mecca Joint Defense Agreement
The Mecca Joint Defense Agreement, signed on August 7, outlined a mutual commitment among Saudi Arabia, Turkey, and Pakistan. They agreed to consider any armed attack on one of them an attack on all three. Military leaders from these nations convened in Riyadh on September 25 to denounce continued assaults from the Houthis, reinforcing their united front.
### Solidarity with Saudi Arabia
Reaffirming their position, Pakistan’s military leaders condemned the Houthi attacks on Saudi Arabia, aligning themselves with Riyadh and demonstrating a commitment to safeguarding Islam’s revered sites. This action underscores the collaborative effort among the signatory nations to maintain regional stability and security.
### Navigating Maritime Concerns
Dar emphasized the significance of the Strait of Hormuz, advocating for non-imposition of fees for passage through this strategically critical waterway. The strait has become an essential bargaining point, particularly amid the ongoing US-Iran tension that has lasted nearly seven months. This diplomatic dialogue serves as a hopeful step toward easing regional tensions.