Deputy Prime Minister and Foreign Minister Ishaq Dar engaged in a telephone discussion with International Atomic Energy Agency (IAEA) Director General Rafael Grossi on Tuesday to address the evolving regional situation. Both officials concurred that the implementation of the Islamabad Memorandum of Understanding (MoU) represents the most effective approach to easing tensions in the area.

Grossi also expressed readiness to offer technical assistance if necessary. Dar reaffirmed Pakistan’s steadfast commitment to upholding the principles of the United Nations Charter and respecting international laws and treaties. The conversation underscored the vital role of the UN system in advancing global peace and development agendas. Additionally, Dar extended his best wishes to Grossi for his candidacy for the position of United Nations Secretary-General.

Meanwhile, Yemen’s Iran-aligned Houthi forces launched a fresh series of missile and drone attacks targeting Saudi Arabia, while consolidating their control along Yemen’s western Red Sea coast. This escalation coincides with the postponement of planned Gulf Arab talks with Iran aimed at reopening the Strait of Hormuz, raising concerns about the broader Middle East conflict threatening global energy supplies.

The Houthis reported firing dozens of missiles and drones at a military airbase in Khamis Mushait, southern Saudi Arabia, striking aircraft hangars, radar installations, runways, and ammunition depots. They framed these attacks as retaliation for Saudi airstrikes in Yemen. Saudi authorities issued emergency alerts in several southern cities, and the Saudi-led coalition reported 13 civilians wounded in the assaults.

The Houthi advances have intensified pressure on Saudi oil exports. Recently, the group captured Perim Island near the Red Sea entrance, and a recent attack disabled Saudi Arabia’s east-west oil pipeline, which Riyadh attributes to Iran-backed militias in Iraq. This 1,200-kilometre pipeline serves as an alternative export route when the Strait of Hormuz is threatened. Analysts warn that a prolonged shutdown could disrupt up to 4% of global oil supplies while the strait remains largely blocked.

Saudi and Yemeni forces have escalated airstrikes against Houthi positions, including near the Red Sea port of Mocha. Despite these efforts, the Houthis maintain control over most of Yemen’s western coastline. This renewed conflict also poses a challenge for U.S. President Donald Trump, whose administration has so far declined Saudi requests for direct military intervention beyond intelligence support.