Tehran Talks: Iran Links Houthi De-escalation to US Approval of Regional Truce

Following a high-level meeting in Tehran attended by senior officials from Saudi Arabia, Pakistan, and Turkey, sources indicate that the primary outcome was an agreement to continue dialogue rather than a concrete deal for de-escalation on any front, including the Houthi attacks targeting Saudi cities. The delegation, comprising Saudi Defence Minister Prince Khalid bin Salman, Pakistan’s army chief Field Marshal Asim Munir, and Ibrahim Kalin, director of Turkey’s intelligence service, met in the Iranian capital as part of a diplomatic initiative to resolve regional conflicts. This meeting underscored Saudi Arabia's urgency amidst escalating rebel attacks on its airports and concerns over a potential new conflict between the US and Iran.

Iranian state media reported that the parties agreed to continue discussions, though sources briefed on the talks suggested no clear progress was made. Representatives from Saudi Arabia, Pakistan, and Turkey urged Iran to persuade the Iran-backed Houthis to cease their attacks on the kingdom. However, Iran reportedly claimed limited leverage over its Yemeni allies and, in turn, requested that its guests utilize their close ties with the US to secure Washington's acceptance of Iran's proposal for a two-week regional ceasefire. This pause, Iran suggested, would facilitate the resumption of negotiations in exchange for the gradual reopening of the Strait of Hormuz.

A source in Tehran indicated Iran's willingness to assist, but noted that the Houthi condition—the lifting of Saudi Arabia's air blockade on Yemen before any cessation of hostilities—remains in place. Additionally, Iranian officials suggested that any final agreement with the Houthis should be negotiated in Sanaa, according to a Yemeni source. This proposal comes despite Iran's significant role as the Houthis' primary external supporter, providing training, intelligence, tactical guidance, and assistance with drone and missile targeting, which has enabled the Houthis to conduct their most sophisticated attacks on Saudi Arabia and its allies.

Tensions between Saudi Arabia and the Houthis escalated in July following an air strike on Sanaa International Airport, which the Houthis attributed to Saudi Arabia, while Yemen's internationally recognized government claimed responsibility, stating it was to prevent an unauthorized Iranian aircraft from landing. In response to airspace restrictions enforced by Saudi Arabia, the Houthis declared a "blockade for blockade" policy, imposing an embargo on Saudi shipping in the Red Sea, a crucial route for the kingdom's oil exports following disruptions in the Strait of Hormuz.

Analysts suggest a correlation between increased pressure on Iran and heightened Houthi operations. The Tehran talks occurred amid warnings from the US, Iran, and Israel about the potential for renewed hostilities. A key focus of the meeting was establishing a regional non-aggression network, according to a regional source. Mohsen Rezaei, secretary of Iran’s Supreme National Security Council, described the discussions as "very good" and stated that Iran and the Makkah pact countries agreed on regional security being the responsibility of regional nations, not external powers.

The discussions were reportedly not aimed at deterring a US-Israeli attack on Iran but rather at agreeing on principles and a course of action to quickly manage any resumption of hostilities. This aligns with Omani Foreign Minister Badr Albusaidi's call for a non-aggression security pact involving Gulf states, Iran, and Iraq, emphasizing a shift away from US security primacy. Prince Khalid's previous visit to Tehran in April 2025, prior to nuclear program talks, carried symbolic weight. However, shortly after the recent Tehran talks, the Saudi-led coalition announced the interception of three ballistic missiles and four drones launched by Iran-backed rebels towards Saudi Arabia.