Military chiefs from Saudi Arabia, Turkey and Pakistan are due to meet on ways to support Riyadh under the Mecca Joint Defence Agreement, signed in August. The discussions follow Houthi attacks on Saudi targets and Saudi authorities' interception of six ballistic missiles, while Saudi Arabia's Grand Mufti urged troops to be prepared to sacrifice their lives until the Houthis are removed from power. The pact treats an attack on one party as an attack on all, although Turkey's parliament has not yet ratified it. The developments come as Iran and the United States consider diplomatic proposals amid a wider war involving Israel, Iran and regional allies. Iran has proposed reopening the Strait of Hormuz after seven days of an end to hostilities, provided Washington lifts its blockade on Iranian ports, unfreezes Iranian funds and waives oil sanctions. Meanwhile, new US secondary sanctions (penalties targeting third-country businesses) and flight restrictions on Iranian airlines have increased pressure on Tehran.