Yemen War Intensifies As Iran And Saudi Arabia Hold Talks; Is A Ceasefire Now Possible?

Yemen: After the Houthi attacks in Yemen, the atmosphere in West Asia has heated up. Meanwhile, the foreign ministers of Iran and Saudi Arabia have talked. Both countries said that if the situation is not handled now, the entire region may get into a major crisis. In this conversation, the issue of increasing insecurity in the Strait of Hormuz also came up.

What happened between the two foreign ministers?

There was a long discussion over the phone between Iran's Foreign Minister Abbas Araghchi and Saudi Arabia's Foreign Minister Faisal bin Farhan. Both the leaders talked about bilateral relations, the situation in Yemen and the increasing tension in the entire region. Both agreed that insecurity is increasing rapidly in the region and it is very important to stop it. He said that diplomatic efforts will have to be continued to prevent the crisis from spreading further. The objective of the talks was clear – to bring back peace and stability by any means possible.

What happened in Yemen that the tension increased?

This conversation took place at a time when the fighting in Yemen has intensified. Yemen's internationally recognised government has accused the Houthis of carrying out an artillery attack that killed three innocent children. On the other hand, Saudi Arabia alleges that the Iran-backed Houthis are continuously targeting its oil and other infrastructure. Houthis have also responded that Saudi Arabia has carried out 54 air strikes on them, hence they will not remain silent. Meaning, attacks and rhetoric from both sides have intensified and common people are losing their lives.

What warning has Pakistan given regarding the Houthis?

Now Pakistan has also jumped into this whole matter. Pakistan on Tuesday openly warned that if Houthi attacks are not stopped then the recently signed Mecca Joint Defence Agreement may come into force. This agreement has been signed between Saudi Arabia, Turkey and Pakistan. This means that an attack on Saudi will be considered an attack on all three countries. After this warning, the issue of Yemen is no longer just about Yemen, it has become an issue of security of the entire region.

Had there been talks between Iran and Saudi before?

This is not the first conversation. Both the foreign ministers had also talked on Saturday. Even then he had stressed on reducing tension. The Strait of Hormuz was specifically mentioned in that conversation. Iran had said that the danger in Hormuz is increasing due to America's aggressive actions. Even then both the countries had agreed that the solution would be found only through dialogue.

What does Iran think about regional security?

Iran is continuously saying that the security of West Asia will not come from outside countries. Tehran says that interference by America and Western countries does not lead to peace but increases tension. The countries of the region will have to take responsibility for their own security. Currently, amidst the ongoing war in Yemen, Houthi attacks and increasing insecurity in Hormuz, this conversation between Iran and Saudi is being considered as a big effort so that the situation does not go out of control.