Defense ministers converge in Tehran to halt Houthi missile strikes

Saudi Arabia, Iran, Turkiye, and Pakistan concluded a four-way meeting in Tehran on Monday, agreeing to maintain dialogue on regional stability. The gathering marked the first high-level contact among the nations since US and Israeli strikes on Iran expanded the conflict into Saudi Arabia and Yemen. A joint statement released late Monday confirmed the groups would continue cooperation to strengthen peace and security frameworks.

Military action continued in parallel with the talks. Coalition spokesman Colonel Turki al-Maliki reported that three ballistic missiles launched by the Houthis toward Saudi Arabia's Eastern Province were intercepted early Tuesday. No casualties were reported. Four drones heading to the south were also downed. The coalition stated it destroyed three additional drones over Riyadh and southern Saudi Arabia on Monday evening. The Houthis did not comment immediately on the intercepts.

Riyadh dispatched Defense Minister Prince Khalid bin Salman, brother of Crown Prince Mohammed bin Salman, to the talks. Field Marshal Asim Munir represented Pakistan, while Ibrahim Kalin, the head of Turkish intelligence, attended for Turkiye. Iranian President Masoud Pezeshkian, Foreign Minister Abbas Araghchi, and Supreme National Security Council secretary Mohsen Rezaei were present at the meetings, according to state media footage.

A senior Pakistani security official told Reuters that discussions focused on creating a regional non-aggression network. Topics included US-Iran negotiations, Houthi attacks, the Strait of Hormuz, and the US blockade of Iranian ports. A second official noted that Munir, acting with US President Donald Trump's approval for diplomacy, presented a proposal to Iran. The plan aimed to offer concessions to both Washington and Tehran. Qatar and the Mecca pact states could serve as guarantors if the proposal is accepted.

Mohsen Rezaei stated that the visit demonstrated that American threats have little impact on the region. He described the atmosphere as new and positive. Foreign Ministry spokesman Esmaeil Baghaei previously noted that the meeting, proposed during Munir's visit last week, could be the first step toward regional security arrangements.

Tensions remain high. Trump stated on Friday that the US may strike Iran again. Fighting resumed after an interim peace agreement brokered by Pakistan and Qatar in June. Houthi clashes with Saudi Arabia opened a new front, worsening the humanitarian crisis in Yemen. Last month, Houthis seized Red Sea coast areas from Saudi-backed forces in a rapid offensive. The group has targeted airports, ports, and oil facilities. An attack on King Khalid International Airport this month killed at least 13 people and wounded over 300.

On Monday, the Houthis claimed another strike on the Riyadh airport and oil pumping stations in western and eastern Saudi Arabia. The coalition intercepted the attacks and retaliated by destroying five missile storage tunnels, four launchers, and a missile depot. The war has restricted shipping through the Strait of Hormuz and increased oil and petrol prices. Egypt's Parliament authorized its military on Monday to help defend Saudi Arabia.