AI-generated illustration

Pakistan's Chief of Army Staff Asim Munir urged Iranian leaders to use their influence to stop Houthi attacks targeting Saudi Arabia during a visit to Iran that ended yesterday, unnamed Pakistani sources told Anadolu Agency (AA).

The sources said the trip focused both on mediation efforts between the United States and Iran and on the Houthi strikes against the kingdom, with Munir reaffirming Pakistan's commitment to defend Saudi Arabia under the Mecca Joint Defense Agreement.

Situation in the Strait of Hormuz

The United States and Israel launched attacks on Iran on February 28, 2026, during which the Strait of Hormuz, critical for global oil exports and supply chains, was closed. Iran struck Gulf states and locations it described as US and Israeli targets in the region before a ceasefire was reached.

Washington and Tehran signed the Islamabad Understanding on June 17, 2026, agreeing to halt military strikes and begin arrangements to reopen the strait to maritime traffic.

Disagreements over implementation of the deal and navigation in the strait later stalled the process, and fighting resumed in July.

Key takeaways

• Pakistan's army chief urged Iran to use its influence to halt Houthi attacks on Saudi Arabia during a visit to Iran.
• Munir reaffirmed Pakistan's commitment to defending Saudi Arabia under the Mecca Joint Defense Agreement.
• Iranian officials repeated their offer to mediate between the Houthis and Saudi Arabia and said they opposed a wider regional escalation.
• Talks also covered ways to resume US-Iran negotiations, with Iran insisting Washington restart implementation of the Islamabad Understanding first.