Iran has rejected Saudi accusations that it is encouraging Houthi attacks on the kingdom, while the Saudi-led coalition reports ongoing interceptions of missiles and drones.
Key facts
- •Iran’s foreign ministry officially rejected claims that it played a role in recent Houthi operations against Saudi Arabia.
- •A recent Houthi attack at Riyadh’s King Khalid International Airport resulted in 13 deaths and over 300 injuries.
- •The Saudi-led coalition reported intercepting drones and missiles over the Red Sea, the southern region, and Yanbu on Friday.
- •Saudi Arabia's Future Investment Initiative has shifted to remote participation due to security concerns.
- •The Houthis have seized strategic territory along the Red Sea coast since launching an offensive in September.
Iran’s foreign ministry on Friday denied any role in recent Houthi operations against Saudi Arabia, following accusations from Riyadh that Tehran encouraged the escalation. The denial came as the Saudi-led military coalition reported intercepting multiple drones and missiles targeting the kingdom. This follows a series of Houthi strikes on Saudi infrastructure, including a recent attack at Riyadh’s international airport that resulted in 13 deaths.
By the numbers
Escalating Attacks and Saudi Response
The Houthi militia has intensified strikes against Saudi targets, including oil facilities, Red Sea tankers, and airports. Following a recent attack at Riyadh’s King Khalid International Airport that killed 13 people and injured over 300, the facility faced closures and flight suspensions. On Tuesday, the Houthis struck the headquarters of the state-owned oil company Aramco in Dhahran, and by Thursday, a cruise missile was intercepted over the Medina region. The Saudi-led coalition, which has supported the Yemeni government for over a decade, reported intercepting three drones in the southern area and Riyadh, along with two cruise missiles over the Red Sea on Friday. Additionally, a ballistic missile was intercepted over the coastal city of Yanbu.
Diplomatic Tensions and Mediation Offers
Saudi deputy minister for public diplomacy, Dr. Rayed Krimly, stated that the Houthis had previously rejected an offer to meet in Oman. In response to the ongoing hostilities, Iranian foreign ministry spokesman Esmaeil Baqaei reiterated Tehran's offer to mediate between the Houthis and Riyadh to help end the conflict. Baqaei maintained that the Houthis act according to their own interests and assessments, rejecting claims of Iranian direction.
Timeline
- SeptemberThe Houthis launched a lightning offensive in Yemen, seizing territory along the Red Sea coast.
- Last weekA Houthi attack at Riyadh’s King Khalid International Airport killed 13 people.
- TuesdayThe Houthis struck the headquarters of Aramco in Dhahran.
- WednesdayThe Houthis vowed to continue attacks on Saudi airports and oil facilities.
- ThursdayA cruise missile was intercepted over the Medina region.
- FridayIran denied involvement in Houthi attacks, and the Saudi-led coalition reported intercepting multiple missiles and drones.
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This article was independently rewritten by ManyPress editorial AI from reporting originally published by Channel NewsAsia, Daily Sabah World, Deutsche Welle.
