Iran hosts Saudi defence pact states as Houthis launch more attacks
USO•Officials from Saudi Arabia, Turkey and Pakistan met in Iran to seek de-escalation as the Houthis said they attacked Riyadh airport and Saudi oil pumping stations. Saudi Arabia did not immediately confirm the reported strikes.
1. Talks seek de-escalation
Officials from Saudi Arabia, Turkey and Pakistan were in Iran on Monday for high-level talks aimed at de-escalating the regional conflict. Saudi Arabia said the visit was part of efforts to promote dialogue and diplomatic solutions and prevent a return to military escalation. The officials were due to consult Iran’s Supreme National Security Council.
2. Attacks and security agenda
The Houthis said they attacked Saudi Arabia’s East-West crude oil pumping stations and Riyadh airport. There was no immediate Saudi confirmation. The meeting agenda included US-Iran talks, Houthi attacks on Saudi Arabia, the Strait of Hormuz and a US blockade of Iranian ports; a senior Pakistani security official said the talks focused on building a regional non-aggression network.
3. Regional conflict context
The talks followed a visit by Qatari mediators to Tehran and come after earlier efforts produced an interim peace agreement in June, before fighting resumed. The wider conflict has restricted shipping through the Strait of Hormuz, pushed up global oil and gas prices and contributed to a humanitarian crisis in Yemen.
