Saudi MBS spoke with Kuwait's Emir about criticising Iranian strikes on Wednesday. Pakistani PM contacted him, calling Houthi strikes in the Red Sea 'wrong.outrageous.'. In Washington, discussions centre on a planned nuclear pact between Washington and Riyadh. The pact is tied to normal ties with Israel under conditions stipulated by former US President Donald Trump. Iranian officials are weighing how the agreement could shift the balance of power across the region. Analysts note that the dual track of defence talks and statecraft has put Riyadh at the centre of talks across the Gulf. Backchannel talks between Riyadh and Washington have continued through recent weeks, even as attacks and replies have grabbed the news. A western official said the atomic talks was now closely linked to the Tel Aviv file. Around Saudi decision makers, the priority has been on defence and deterrence, rather than public messaging. Meanwhile, Iranian officials is reportedly weighing responses if the deal moves forward, with a veteran Iranian official warning of further strain across the wider Middle East.