Gulf States Scramble for UN Deal as Houthi Pipeline Attacks Threaten Global Oil

World leaders are gathering at the United Nations General Assembly as Gulf states push for renewed diplomacy to reduce attacks, stabilize energy flows, and pull the Iran war away from active conflict [245578]. The diplomatic effort comes as disruptions to Saudi Arabia's East-West pipeline and other regional infrastructure add urgency, with Gulf economies facing mounting pressure from the conflict [245578].

Washington's push to restart ceasefire talks has stalled, and Iran and Iran-aligned Houthi militants are stepping up attacks, leaving Gulf states to absorb the fallout [242930]. Next week, President Trump plans to meet Gulf leaders at the United Nations to discuss how to end the Iran war [242930].

Saudi Arabia is close to restarting a major oil pipeline as tensions with Houthi forces rise. The pipeline is a key route for Saudi oil exports, and its return would boost global supply [243113]. Houthi attacks in the region have raised security concerns that could disrupt oil flows [243113].

The US State Department warned on Sunday of a possible sudden military escalation and potential airspace closures in the Middle East. The warning follows repeated attacks by the Houthi militia on Saudi Arabia, including hostile acts and targeting of sites [245383].

UN Secretary-General Antonio Guterres and Gulf Cooperation Council Secretary-General Jasem Al-Budaiwi condemned Houthi militia attacks on Saudi Arabia on Saturday. The two leaders denounced the targeting of civilian sites and warned of the serious impact on regional security and stability [245392].

Pakistan's Defense Minister, Khawaja Muhammad Asif, says the "Mecca Agreement" must now be put into action as attacks by the Houthis on Saudi Arabia increase. Asif said Pakistan is committed to protecting Saudi Arabia and its holy sites. The Mecca Agreement is a security pact between Saudi Arabia and Pakistan that calls for the two countries to defend each other against threats [244702].

A new Saudi-led maritime defense alliance held its first planning meeting this week, bringing together member countries to set joint goals. The coalition focuses on protecting sea routes in the region, though details of the meeting, including which countries attended, were not released. The alliance is separate from the U.S.-led naval force that has patrolled nearby waters for years [244610].

The United States is urgently investigating whether Iran was behind a series of cyberattacks targeting oil tankers headed to the U.S. [242925].

The United Nations General Assembly begins next week in New York. President Trump and foreign leaders, including Israeli Prime Minister Benjamin Netanyahu, are expected to speak. The NYPD is preparing major security measures for the event [245425].

A former Obama administration National Security Council member says the war in Iran "in many respects jeopardises the Trump presidency." Charles Kupchan told FRANCE 24 the conflict is "yet another failed war of choice" and said it has driven up fuel and living costs ahead of the midterm elections [244621].