Key facts
- Iran has suggested a political approach to engaging Yemen's Houthis, according to Pakistan's foreign minister.
- Saudi Arabia, Turkey, and Pakistan, members of the Mecca defense pact, will discuss the proposal at an emergency meeting in Riyadh.
- The pact members will decide on next steps at the meeting, the date of which is to be confirmed.
- Iran has distanced itself from the Houthis and Iraqi militias, with its president and foreign minister wanting the matter concluded.
- More than six countries are interested in joining the Mecca defense pact.
Pakistan's foreign minister, Ishaq Dar, announced that Iran has proposed a political approach to engaging Yemen's Houthi rebels following recent attacks. This suggestion will be discussed at an emergency meeting of the Mecca defense pact members—Saudi Arabia, Turkey, and Pakistan—to be held in Riyadh next week. The pact, signed on August 7, pledges mutual defense among its signatories.
Dar stated that Iran has distanced itself from the Houthis and Iraqi militias, and that both Iranian President Masoud Pezeshkian and Foreign Minister Abbas Araqchi desire a conclusion to the matter. He described the political approach as a "brainstorming" suggestion made in good faith, intended as an alternative to "kinetic action." The date for the Riyadh meeting is yet to be confirmed.
Saudi Arabia has accused the Houthis of targeting Islam's two holiest cities, and the pact members will decide on their next steps during the upcoming meeting. Pakistan's military has previously condemned Houthi attacks on Saudi Arabia and expressed solidarity with the kingdom.
Dar also mentioned that more than six countries are interested in joining the pact, though new memberships cannot be processed until the pact is fully operational, which could take up to a year. He also commented that there should be no fees to cross the Strait of Hormuz.