PAKISTAN READER

IRAN

The US-Iran War: Iran hosts Mecca defence pact states; US intelligence memo warns of Iranian threats

On 26 October, Reuters reported that senior officials of Mecca Pact countries Saudi Arabia, Pakistan and Turkey met Iranian officials in Tehran to discuss regional coordination amid escalating tensions. Saudi Arabia’s Defence Minister Prince Khalid bin Salman, Pakistan’s Army Chief Field Marshal Asim Munir and Turkey’s intelligence chief Ibrahim Kalin were expected to engage in the discussions with Iran’s Supreme National Security Council. The talks followed Pakistan’s Army Chief’s visit to Tehran the previous week. The meeting marked the first high-level contact between Iran and all three Mecca Pact countries in the midst of increased Houthi attacks on Saudi Arabia. The meeting aimed to address regional developments, including the situation in Palestine and Lebanon and the effects of US and Israeli military action against Iran. The defence agreement signed in August 2026, stated that an armed attack on one member would be considered as an attack on all. The tensions between Washington and Tehran have increased in recent days. At the same time, US Director of National Intelligence Jay Clayton informed Secretary of State Marco Rubio that alleged plots against US citizens had reached advanced stages in the Middle East and other countries. The warning came amid escalating attacks by Iran-allied Houthi forces. The State Department ordered non-emergency government employees and their family members to leave ‌US diplomatic ⁠missions in Saudi Arabia. The US has also updated the travel advisories for more than a dozen countries.

(“Iran hosts Saudi defence pact states as Houthis launch more attacks,” Reuters, October 26, 2026; “Iran has ramped up efforts to target US personnel, intelligence memo warns,” Reuters, October 24, 2026)

YEMEN

Houthis claim attacks on Saudi oil facilities; Pope Leo calls for peace; Riyadh airport partly reopens.

On 26 October, Reuters reported that Yemen’s Houthi movement had claimed attacks on Saudi Arabia’s East-West oil pipeline pumping stations and King Khalid International Airport in Riyadh. Saudi Arabia had not confirmed the reported attacks. The Saudi-led coalition said it had intercepted a missile directed towards Riyadh and destroyed Houthi missile launchers and storage facilities in Yemen. Saudi Arabia has temporarily shut down the East-West pipeline in September as a precaution.  The renewed fighting threatened regional oil supplies and shipping routes. Saudi Arabia has also ⁠intensified its strikes on the Houthis since the group captured strategic areas. At the same time, Pope Leo appealed for an end to the violence in Yemen. He expressed concern over the humanitarian crisis in Taiz, where the residents faced shortages of food, water and medical assistance. King ‌Khalid International Airport in Riyadh resumed operations at two terminals after the 10 October attack. Following the announcement, the Houthis said the airport remained a target and urged travellers to stay away.

(“Houthis say they attacked Saudi oil pumping stations, Riyadh airport as fighting intensifies,” Reuters, October 26, 2026; “Pope Leo calls for Yemen violence to end, in address two weeks after surgery,” Reuters, October 25, 2026; “Saudis say Riyadh airport partly reopens despite renewed Houthi threats,” Reuters, October 25, 2026)

LIBIYA
Libya’s foreign ministry strongly rejects Trump’s remarks about country

On 26 October, Reuters reported that Libya’s foreign ministry had summoned the US charge d’affaires to express its discontent over remarks made by US President Donald Trump. During an election rally, Trump referred to Libya as a “terror-infested” country. Libya’s foreign ministry rejected any statements that undermined the dignity of the Libyan people or diminished their standing. Trump’s remarks were condemned by the two rival Libyan administrations as well. The president later responded through a Truth Social post that the US was dedicated to relations with Libya, and referred to the Libyan people as “proud, resilient, hospitable and deserving of peace and prosperity.” However, he stated that while he respected the Libyan people, the country could not remain a corridor for illegal migration.

(“Libya summons US envoy to protest at Trump remarks,” Reuters, 26 October 2026)