Pakistan relays Saudi warning to Iran as Houthi strikes escalate

Pakistan has conveyed a Saudi warning to Iran urging it to restrain its Houthi allies in Yemen, following a series of escalating attacks on the kingdom. The message, delivered in the past 24 hours, reflects growing concern that the conflict could spiral into a broader regional crisis, according to Saudi, Pakistani, and Iranian sources.

The Houthis struck an airbase and nearby oil infrastructure in southern Saudi Arabia on Tuesday, wounding 73 people in one of the largest attacks since the start of the U.S.-Iranian war in February. In response, Saudi warplanes carried out 54 airstrikes across Yemeni provinces over a 12-hour period, the Houthi military spokesman said, vowing that the strikes would "not go unanswered and unpunished."

Pakistan's intervention carries weight due to its defence pact with Saudi Arabia and Turkey. Pakistani Defence Minister Khawaja Asif said an attack on one of the three countries would be treated as an attack on all, activating a joint security arrangement. However, officials stressed that any military role would be limited to defending Saudi territory and would not involve combat operations on foreign soil.

Tehran has responded that it does not control the Houthis. Yet two Iranian sources said Tehran had urged the group last week to escalate attacks on Saudi Arabia, promising additional funding and weapons, with Revolutionary Guard commanders travelling to Yemen to help coordinate operations.

A senior regional diplomat said Islamabad is seeking a diplomatic solution, hoping the situation does not reach a point where Pakistan must step in militarily. The diplomat warned that Iran's pressure campaign could backfire, driving Saudi Arabia, Pakistan, Turkey, and other U.S.-aligned states into closer security coordination.

Meanwhile, Washington shows little sign of easing its blockade of Iranian ports. President Donald Trump appears committed to sustained economic pressure as a pathway to negotiations, regional sources said, with Saudi Arabia's military response expected to remain focused on the Houthis rather than Iran directly.