Pakistan's Delicate Balancing Act Between Iran and Saudi Arabia
Pakistan is pursuing a dual diplomacy and security balance in its relations with Saudi Arabia and Iran amid rising Houthi attacks.
Pakistan is conducting sensitive diplomacy between its defense obligations to Riyadh and its messages to Tehran following the Houthis' escalating attacks on Saudi Arabia.
Islamabad's Dual Messages
Pakistan Foreign Ministry spokesperson Sajjad Haider Khan has evaluated the status of obligations under the Mecca pact.
On the same days, the Islamabad administration delivered warnings to Iran to rein in its Yemeni allies.
International Summits and Talks
Prime Minister Shehbaz Sharif stated at the UN General Assembly that any threat against Mecca and Medina constitutes a red line.
Field Commander Asim Munir discussed intelligence cooperation issues with the Saudi Defense Minister in Riyadh.
Contacts with Tehran
Foreign Minister Ishaq Dar discussed the pact in detail with Iranian officials during UN meetings in New York.
The Iranian side put forward a political approach as an alternative to military action against the Houthis.
Deployment of Regional Powers
Ministers from Pakistan, Turkey, and Saudi Arabia met in Riyadh and agreed on force deployment.
Defense Minister Khawaja Asif announced that Pakistan and Turkey are in a supportive role in the operational field.
Reactions from Iran and the Houthis
Iranian Foreign Ministry spokesperson Esmaeil Baghaei stated they hope deployment reports do not reflect reality.
The Houthis warned that they would retaliate if forces are deployed in the region to support Riyadh.