Houthis in Yemen have become embroiled in an escalating confrontation with Saudi Arabia and have opened new fronts in a war that, in recent years, had largely been at a standstill.

For Iran, the Houthis have long been an important regional partner and a pressure lever against Saudi Arabia and its allies. However, Pakistan’s warning that if the conflict in Yemen expands into Saudi Arabia’s territory, this could lead to the implementation of a new defense pact between the country and Saudi Arabia and Turkey, could create fresh challenges for Iran.