Houthi Strike on Riyadh Kills 13 as Tehran Talks Open

Thirteen people died and more than 300 were wounded when Houthi rebels attacked King Khalid International Airport in Riyadh earlier this month. The strike targets Saudi oil infrastructure and airports, compounding the economic strain caused by the closure of the Strait of Hormuz. That waterway normally carries roughly one-fifth of global oil and gas flows.

Representatives from the Mecca Defense Alliance, a mutual-defense pact between Saudi Arabia, Pakistan, and Turkey, convened in Tehran on October 26. The snap meeting aims to resolve conflicts that are disrupting cargo and energy markets. A senior security official in Islamabad told RFE/RL that the alliance intends to use closer Saudi-Israeli security cooperation as leverage to force Iran to rein in the Houthis.

The official explained that if Tehran refuses to act, the trio may push Saudi Arabia toward joining the Abraham Accords. This would align the kingdom more closely with Israel, a move Turkey has already accepted through existing diplomatic ties. The alliance views this potential shift as a bargaining chip to secure a ceasefire in Yemen.

Azaz Syed, an analyst based in Islamabad, characterized the gathering as a final attempt to negotiate a settlement before Washington resumes military strikes on Iran. Pakistan’s army chief, Asim Munir, delivered a final warning to the Iranian government during a visit to Tehran last week. Syed noted that the key message from the partners is the need for a broader regional settlement, not just an end to missile fire.

Hamidreza Azizi, a senior analyst at the International Crisis Group, stated that the immediate priority is preventing the resumption of war between Iran and the United States. He described the meeting as a continuation of existing diplomatic efforts, noting that regional countries fear these channels are closing. The timing reflects growing concern that a negotiated path is running out of time.

Tensions between Iran and Pakistan have also risen recently. Islamabad closed two border crossings in Baluchistan and suspended operating clearance for Mahan Air, an airline linked to the Islamic Revolutionary Guards Corps. In response, Iran halted exports of Liquified Petroleum Gas to Pakistan. The country imports approximately 7,000 metric tons of LPG daily from Tehran, and the suspension has driven up domestic gas prices.

Saudi Deputy Minister for Public Diplomacy Rayed Krimly posted on social media that the visit demonstrates the alliance’s commitment to regional stability. Meanwhile, Iranian envoy Reza Amiri Moghadam stated that consultations are underway to address trade issues, noting that several hundred LPG trucks remain stuck at the Rimdan border.