Iran and Pakistan discuss regional security and Yemen escalation

Iranian Foreign Minister Abbas Araghchi and Pakistan’s Chief of Defence Forces Asim Munir held a telephone discussion regarding regional security and the escalation of tensions in Yemen. The talks focused on the potential for reviving diplomacy between Iran and the United States, as well as the impact of Houthi attacks on Saudi Arabia.

Simultaneously, maritime security in the Strait of Hormuz has faced significant disruption. Shipping activity has declined, with only seven vessels transiting the waterway recently compared to a ten-day average of fifteen. US Central Command has redirected 96 commercial vessels as part of a naval blockade, while reports indicate projectiles have struck vessels near Oman. Additionally, the Iranian Islamic Revolutionary Guard Corps (IRGC) Navy reportedly attacked an unmanned US naval vessel at the entrance of the Strait.

In the diplomatic sphere, Iran has rejected renewed accusations regarding its nuclear program at the United Nations, labeling the allegations as political rather than technical.