04/10/2026
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04/10/2026
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TEHRAN, Oct 4: Iran said Sunday it hopes reports that Pakistan has deployed as many as 40,000 troops to Saudi Arabia are false, as concerns grow over a possible Saudi military offensive against Houthi forces in Yemen.
Iranian Foreign Ministry spokesman Esmaeil Baghaei said Tehran hoped the reports were untrue and warned that military action in Yemen could further complicate the regional situation.
“Both we and the countries of the region know that any action in Yemen will make the situation more complicated,” Baghaei said.
His comments followed a Reuters report that Pakistan has deployed between 30,000 and 40,000 troops to Saudi Arabia to help defend the kingdom's borders and assist with drone and missile interceptions. The Pakistani personnel were reportedly deployed in waves beginning last year and following the latest regional escalation.
Reuters also reported, citing a Pakistani official, that Islamabad has not decided to send troops into Yemen in a fighting capacity. Pakistan has instead provided military equipment and advisers to Saudi Arabia, while Riyadh prepares for possible operations against Iran-backed Houthi forces.
Saudi Arabia is reportedly considering an offensive aimed at reversing recent Houthi gains along the Red Sea coast and restoring control of the strategically important Bab el-Mandeb shipping route. The operation would be led primarily by Yemeni forces backed by Saudi air power and intelligence support.
Iran has repeatedly warned against military escalation in Yemen, while Saudi Arabia has accused the Houthis of attacks threatening its territory and regional shipping.
