# As Saudi tensions with Iran-backed Houthis escalate, mediator Pakistan faces pressure to choose a side

https://mins.news/en/item/54302

- Reuters, 2026-09-11 09:10 UTC
- World
- Original: https://www.reuters.com/world/asia-pacific/saudi-tensions-with-iran-backed-houthis-escalate-mediator-pakistan-faces-2026-09-11/?link_source=ta_bluesky_link&taid=6aa3c56f51db2900010ee121

> Fighting this week between Saudi forces and Yemen’s Iran-backed Houthi movement is testing Pakistan’s ability to remain both Riyadh’s defense partner and Washington’s backchannel to Tehran, roles it has balanced for much of the past year.

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