Pakistan Warns Iran on Houthi Escalation After Saudi Airbase Strike

A warning was delivered to Iran by Pakistan after the Houthi group attacked an airbase in Khamis Mushait and nearby oil infrastructure, wounding 73 people. According to Reuters, this is based on Saudi, Pakistani, and Iranian sources.

The attack marked a significant escalation of tensions between Iran and Saudi Arabia, as well as other regional powers, including Pakistan and Turkey. Houthi military spokesman Yahya Saree warned that the strikes would 'not go unanswered and unpunished.'

A senior regional diplomat said Pakistan conveyed its warning to Tehran over the past 24 hours, urging Iran to use its influence to stop the Houthi attacks. However, a senior Iranian official responded that 'Iran does not control the Houthis.'

This statement contradicts reports from two Iranian sources that Tehran had instructed the Houthis last week to escalate attacks on Saudi Arabia, promising additional funding and weapons.