HOUTHIS THREATEN PAKISTAN WITH MISSILES IF IT FIGHTS FOR SAUDI – w/ Pravin Sawhney

Pakistan’s Role in the Yemen War

Host Mario Nawfal cited reports that Pakistan was involved in airstrikes and that Pakistani personnel were advising forces in Yemen. Guest Pravin Sawhney disputed claims of Pakistani offensive participation. He said Pakistan was more likely providing maintenance, intelligence, air defence and other combat support—not sending ground troops or flying Saudi fighter missions.

Nawfal also cited reports that the Houthis, also known as Ansar Allah, threatened missile attacks on Pakistan and on fuel shipments bound for it if Pakistan joined Saudi Arabia’s campaign. Sawhney argued that Pakistan would avoid direct combat because of its important strategic ties with Iran and broader regional interests.

Saudi-Pakistani and Regional Security

Sawhney described the “Mecca Defense Alliance” as focused on collective security and deterrence, rather than an automatic commitment to offensive war. He said Pakistan and Turkey would be more likely to encourage Saudi Arabia to negotiate with Ansar Allah while helping with defensive measures.

Nawfal challenged whether striking missile launch sites could also be considered defensive. Sawhney said Pakistan might assist Saudi forces but would not itself enter direct combat.

Saudi Arabia and the Conflict’s Stakes

Sawhney described Ansar Allah as highly motivated and experienced, and said the conflict could escalate because the group sees the threat as existential. He argued that Saudi Arabia had relied heavily on outside support instead of building sufficient independent military capability.

The conversation cited reports of Houthi advances near Taiz and attacks affecting Saudi infrastructure. Sawhney said a lasting settlement would likely require Saudi Arabia to lift its blockade and negotiate, rather than expect Ansar Allah to surrender territory it had gained.

Israel’s Regional Strategy

Sawhney linked the conflict to Israeli Prime Minister Benjamin Netanyahu’s stated interest in alternative oil and gas routes that would bypass the Strait of Hormuz and Bab al-Mandab. He said these routes could run through the Arabian Peninsula to Israel and Mediterranean partners such as Greece and Cyprus.

Sawhney suggested Israel may seek to expand its regional security role as the United States reduces its presence. Nawfal discussed this in terms of competing regional alignments, with Iran positioned between them.

Iran, Russia and the United States

Sawhney pointed to expanding Iran-Russia trade through the Caspian Sea and closer security cooperation, including possible engagement with Azerbaijan.

On the United States, Sawhney predicted no American strikes on Iran before the midterm elections, arguing that Trump would prioritize energy prices and avoid a war dominating the campaign. He said the risk could rise afterward, particularly because of Israeli pressure, and warned that a broader US military commitment could become prolonged and costly. Nawfal also relayed a reported Russia-Ukraine energy ceasefire during the discussion.

Reports of Attacks in Saudi Arabia

Nawfal cited reports of projectiles hitting or threatening airport terminals in Riyadh. He later clarified that the footage shown was from an earlier incident at Terminal 3. Reports about Terminal 4 were unconfirmed, and the footage did not establish casualties there.

Presenters and Contributors

• Mario Nawfal: Host
• Pravin Sawhney: Guest and analyst