Pakistan and China have pressured Iran regarding Houthi attacks on Saudi Arabia

The Pakistani Defense Minister, Khawaja Asif, stated in an interview with the media on Thursday, September 26, that his country has conveyed Saudi Arabia's concerns regarding recent Houthi attacks to the Iranian government. These remarks come as clashes between Saudi Arabia and Houthi rebels in Yemen continue.

Saudi Concerns and Pakistan's Action

Khawaja Asif emphasized in this interview: "I don't think Iran will open another front as a country." This position was announced a day after Saudi Arabia stated that it had thwarted a Houthi drone attack on the city of Mecca, the holiest city for Muslims. Asif also stated: "If Mecca is attacked, there is no need for an agreement to protect it" and stressed Pakistan's commitment to supporting holy sites.

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China's Pressure on Iran

Meanwhile, reports indicate that China has privately asked Iran to prevent Houthi attacks on Saudi Arabia. Asim Munir, the Commander of the Pakistan Army, in a call with Abbas Araghchi, Iran's Foreign Minister, urged the use of Tehran's influence to stop attacks on Saudi oil facilities. Iranian sources also reported that China has publicly called for restraint, dialogue, and the revival of safe shipping, but Beijing's private messages go beyond its public positions.

Wang Yi, the Chinese Foreign Minister, emphasized in a meeting with his Iranian counterpart that China does not want to see regional tensions spill over into Yemen and the Red Sea. This comes as Iranian sources reported that Chinese officials have not made any explicit threats and there are no signs of economic pressure on Iran if it does not act against the Houthis.

In recent days, the Houthis have also continued their attacks on Aramco facilities in the port of Yanbu and the Khamis Mushait airbase, claiming that these actions are in response to Saudi airstrikes. This group, which controls large areas of Yemen, has intensified its attacks in the Red Sea and the Bab-el-Mandeb Strait since the outbreak of the Gaza war.

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