Saudi Arabia's deputy minister for public diplomacy stated that Iran is encouraging Houthi rebels to escalate attacks on Saudi targets. The diplomat noted that while direct communications remain open, Tehran has not offered necessary concessions.
Saudi Arabia has accused Iran of encouraging a recent escalation in attacks by Houthi rebels on the kingdom. Dr. Rayed Krimly, Saudi Arabia's deputy minister for public diplomacy at the foreign ministry, stated that Tehran continues to arm and train the group, a claim Iran has not immediately addressed.
In a virtual briefing with reporters, Krimly said that Riyadh remains in direct contact with Iran but that the Islamic republic does not appear ready to make concessions. "We think that the escalation by the Houthis at this latest stage of the conflict is encouraged by Iran," Krimly said. He added that Iran continues to "arm, train and support the Houthi militia in violation of UN security council resolutions."
Krimly noted that Saudi Arabia and Iran restored diplomatic relations in 2023 through a deal mediated by China. Despite the renewed ties, the Saudi official said, "Overall, it doesn't seem yet that the Iranians are able to provide the necessary concessions for a solution." He confirmed that the Saudi and Iranian foreign ministers spoke by phone at least once during recent airport attacks.
The accusations follow a series of strikes on Saudi targets, including Riyadh's international airport and oil company Aramco sites. According to Krimly, at least 19 people, including foreigners, have been killed in these raids. Saudi officials have described the deaths as war crimes.
The Saudi-led coalition fighting the Houthis reported that King Khalid International Airport was attacked 20 times in October. A strike on Saturday killed 13 people and wounded around 300 others, marking the deadliest attack on Saudi Arabia in a decade. Coalition spokesman Turki Al-Malki stated, "The Houthis must immediately cease all terrorist operations targeting civilians and civilian facilities, including airports, ports, oil facilities, and infrastructure."
Krimly said Saudi Arabia attempted to reduce tensions by inviting the Houthis to meet in Muscat, Oman, but the group refused. "At the beginning of this escalation, we asked them to meet in Muscat, Oman and they refused," Krimly said. He clarified that Oman serves as a facilitator for talks, not a mediator, and that Saudi Arabia maintains direct channels with the Houthis.
Regarding broader regional mediation involving the United States and Iran, Krimly said Saudi Arabia supports efforts by Qatar and Pakistan. He criticized Iran's pace in responding to mediators, stating, "In both fronts, the Iranians take a long, long time to come back to the mediators with any new proposal, and what they come with is insufficient." Krimly also alleged that some capabilities and intelligence for Iran and the Houthis come from elements in Russia or China, though he did not provide specific details.
The intensification of Houthi attacks threatens to destabilize the Middle East and disrupt global energy markets. Saudi Arabia, the world's top crude oil exporter, faces significant security challenges as the conflict shifts focus from the initial US-Israeli strikes on Iran in February. The breakdown in diplomatic progress between Riyadh and Tehran raises concerns about further regional escalation and the safety of critical infrastructure and shipping routes.
Sources
This article was drafted with AI assistance and checked against the sources above. Company claims are reported as claims. Cover image is AI-generated.
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Iran-backed Houthi rebels struck a military camp in southern Yemen with ballistic missiles, killing at least 53 recruits and wounding 200 others, according to local authorities.
Iran-backed Houthi rebels struck a Yemeni government military camp in Shabwa province with ballistic missiles, killing at least 53 soldiers and wounding 200 recruits.