Iran, Saudi, Turkiye and Pakistan agree to more talks amid Houthi attacks

The talks in Tehran on Monday marked the first high-level contact between Iran and the three nations since a war began with US and Israeli strikes on Iran, which subsequently spread to Saudi Arabia and Yemen. In a joint statement, the four countries agreed to continue dialogue to strengthen cooperation for regional peace and security.

Continuing Attacks

Early on Tuesday, coalition spokesperson Turki al-Maliki reported that three ballistic missiles fired by the Houthis aimed at Saudi Arabia's Eastern province had been intercepted, with no casualties reported. Four drones headed towards the kingdom's south were also shot down.

The coalition confirmed it had downed three more drones over Riyadh and southern Saudi Arabia on Monday evening. There was no immediate comment from the Houthis regarding these incidents.

Regional Security Focus

Saudi Arabia stated the visit to Tehran aimed to open negotiating channels to prevent the return of military escalation. Pakistan's army chief, Asim Munir, participated with US President Donald Trump's blessing to pursue diplomacy, presenting a proposal that could benefit both Washington and Tehran.

Yemen Conflict Escalation

The talks occurred as tensions between Washington and Tehran have sharpened, with Trump suggesting the US may strike Iran again. Despite a June interim peace agreement mediated by Pakistan and Qatar, fighting resumed between Iran-aligned Houthis and Saudi Arabia.

The Houthis recently seized strategic areas along Yemen's Red Sea coast, prompting Saudi counteroffensives and intensified strikes. The group has repeatedly attacked Saudi airports, seaports, and oil facilities, including a deadly assault on King Khalid international airport in Riyadh that killed at least 13 people and wounded over 300.