Chiefs of staff to hold urgent meeting! – First step under the “Mecca Agreement”

The Houthis’ increasing attacks on Saudi Arabia are once again bringing the Yemen front to the center of regional confrontation.

The intensification of missile and drone attacks is prompting not only Riyadh but also Türkiye and Pakistan to strengthen military cooperation. On September 25, the foreign ministers of Saudi Arabia, Türkiye and Pakistan met in New York and discussed organizing an urgent meeting of the countries’ chiefs of staff.

Preparations for an urgent meeting of the chiefs of staff of the three countries indicate that Saudi Arabia is approaching security issues within a broader coalition framework.

A certain shift can also be observed in Iran’s position.

In an interview with Fox News’ “Special Report” program on September 24, Iranian President Masoud Pezeshkian said: “The Houthis are responsible for their own actions; they do not receive orders from us.”

Pezeshkian’s remarks can be interpreted as an attempt by Tehran to separate the Yemen front from a direct confrontation with the United States. This is because Iran is currently seeking both to preserve the possibility of diplomatic contacts with the US and to negotiate over the reopening of the Strait of Hormuz.

On the other hand, the Houthis’ pressure on Saudi Arabia also poses a risk for Iran. As the attacks expand, Riyadh’s military partners increase, and a broader defence line is being formed against Iran’s regional allies. Moreover, the security of Saudi Arabia’s energy infrastructure and Red Sea routes is no longer solely a Middle Eastern issue.

As reduced shipping through the Strait of Hormuz and increased Houthi activity in Yemen are occurring simultaneously, every new attack in the region could have a direct impact on energy markets and international trade. Iran’s statements seeking to distance itself from the Houthis therefore appear particularly noteworthy in this context.

Jala Rovshan