Regional leaders coordinate on Houthi threats and militant disarmament

Regional leaders and officials are engaging in diplomatic efforts to address security threats and terrorism across the Middle East.

In a communication between Pakistan and Iran, Pakistani officials reported that General Munir urged Iranian Foreign Minister Abbas Araghchi to use Tehran’s influence to stop Houthi attacks on Saudi Arabian oil and economic infrastructure. Officials noted that Araghchi expressed a readiness to return to the negotiating table regarding stalled US-Iran talks. Additionally, Pakistan reaffirmed its commitment to the Mecca Joint Defense Agreement involving Turkey and Saudi Arabia, emphasizing a preference for diplomacy and dialogue to ensure regional stability.

Separately, Iranian Interior Minister Eskandar Momeni met with Turkish Interior Minister Mustafa Çiftçi in Ankara. Momeni called for the PKK and all its regional branches, including PJAK, to lay down their arms, stating that peace is impossible without disarmament. He emphasized that the security of Turkey and Iran are interconnected. Minister Çiftçi responded by noting that while the PKK/KCK must dissolve, Turkey is monitoring all its extensions in different regions. He specifically requested that the PJAK group in Iran be included in the disarmament process to prevent militants from relocating to Iran to remain active.