Saudi Arabia abandoned by another ally: Riyadh remains alone

After the US refused direct military intervention in the conflict with the Houthis, Pakistan, bound to Saudi Arabia by a new defense agreement, is also not ready to enter combat. Islamabad is betting on diplomacy with Iran, casting doubt on the reliability of the Mecca Collective Defense Agreement.

Saudi Arabia faces a second key ally's refusal of direct military support in its war with the Houthis. After the US offered only intelligence assistance, Pakistan, which signed the Mecca Collective Defense Agreement in August, also stated that the question of a military response is not yet under discussion. Pakistani Foreign Ministry spokesman Sajjad Haider Khan noted that Islamabad is not abandoning the treaty but will act when the right moment comes. The reason for caution is Pakistan's own complex position: it is interested in maintaining relations with Riyadh but does not want confrontation with Iran, which supports the Houthis. Islamabad is attempting to mediate: this week it conveyed Saudi Arabia's demand to Tehran to influence the Houthis, and the Pakistani army chief held talks with Iran's foreign minister. The situation is complicated by Houthi advances along Yemen's coast toward the strategic Bab el-Mandeb Strait, creating risks for shipping and energy infrastructure. For Israel, this is also significant, as Houthi strengthening near the strait increases the threat to maritime traffic through the Red Sea and to Eilat. The main test for the new alliance is not the content of the agreement but the willingness of participants to fulfill obligations in a real crisis.