Houthi attacks: Saudi Arabia says Iran is encouraging escalation and delaying talks

Saudi Arabia has accused Iran’s government of encouraging a fresh rise in attacks by the Tehran-backed Houthi rebels. Rayed Krimly, deputy minister for public diplomacy at the foreign ministry, said Riyadh did not see Iran making needed compromises in its wider standoff with the United States. Krimly spoke after more than a week of strikes hit major Saudi targets.

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The recent raids have targeted Riyadh’s international airport, the headquarters of oil company Aramco, and other aviation, oil and military sites. Krimly said at least 19 people, including foreigners, have been killed. Saudi officials described the deaths as war crimes. A Saudi-led coalition spokesperson said King Khalid International Airport alone faced 20 Houthi attacks this month.

Houthi attacks and Saudi Arabia’s air defence challenge

The flare-up has highlighted Saudi Arabia’s difficulty in stopping repeated launches from neighbouring Yemen. It has also added pressure on global markets, as investors watch risks to energy routes. Krimly said the situation has strengthened Saudi calls to allies, including the United States, for added military support. The latest strikes come during a wider regional confrontation involving Iran.

Krimly said Saudi Arabia tried to reduce tensions by seeking talks with the Houthis in Oman. Saudi officials said the invitation came weeks ago and aimed to settle disputes and stop the violence. Krimly said the Houthis rejected the meeting. Soon after, the group made a major advance along Yemen’s Red Sea coast.

Houthi escalation linked to Iran and Oman talks

The Houthi move captured territory near the Bab el-Mandeb Strait, a key shipping route and an alternative to the Strait of Hormuz. Earlier this month, the Saudi-led coalition began a large operation in Yemen to regain those areas. The fighting has increased friction between Saudi Arabia and Iran, even after renewed diplomatic ties.

"We think the escalation by the Houthis at this later stage of the conflict is encouraged by Iran,\" Krimly said. Krimly added that Iran keeps arming, training and supporting the Houthi militia. Krimly said this violates UN Security Council resolutions and Iran’s commitments in the Beijing agreement. Saudi Arabia and Iran restored diplomatic relations under that deal after seven years.

Krimly said Saudi Arabia had not asked Iran to mediate, despite Iranian statements supporting dialogue. \"We maintain direct channels of communication with the Houthis, and Oman serves as a facilitator of these talks and not as a mediator,\" Krimly said. Krimly added that Saudi Arabia also still speaks directly with Iran. During the airport attacks, the Saudi and Iranian foreign ministers spoke by phone at least once.

Iran war talks, Strait of Hormuz, and mediator delays

On the broader Iran war, Krimly said Saudi Arabia backed mediation by Qatar and Pakistan to keep US-Iran discussions alive. Krimly said mediators were addressing two main files. One focused on safe shipping through the Strait of Hormuz in exchange for ending the US blockade of Iranian ports, which targets oil exports.

The second issue, Krimly said, was a clearer plan for negotiations on Iran’s nuclear programme. Krimly criticised Iran’s pace in responding to mediators. \"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 said.

\"And then they begin to talk about a temporary arrangement in the Strait of Hormuz, and a temporary arrangement to this and that, and then we spend sometimes weeks and months discussing this, back and forth. They dont seem to be able to reach consensus on the needed solutions that will pave the way for a peaceful solution of the conflict,\" Krimly said. Iranian officials did not immediately reply to requests for comment.

China and Russia support claims tied to Houthi attacks

Krimly also said Saudi Arabia believed China and Russia were linked to support for Iran and the Houthis, without giving many specifics. \"Of course, some of the capabilities of Iran, and of the Houthis, do come -- or the intelligence -- do come from at least elements in Russia or China, even commercial elements sometimes, but we do discuss these matters regularly with China and Russia, and we will continue to do so,\" Krimly said.

A report this week said the Houthis were trying to develop a new advanced medium-range ballistic missile system using Chinese parts. Krimly said Saudi Arabia remained in contact with Gulf Coordination Council members, including the United Arab Emirates. The UAE was once a key coalition partner in Yemen, but withdrew months ago after friction.

Krimly also referred to a recent mutual defence agreement signed by Saudi Arabia with Pakistan and Turkey. Krimly did not provide fresh details on what help those partners might give if attacks continue. The comments came as Saudi Arabia assessed ongoing risks from Yemen, while keeping contacts open with Iran and regional states.

With inputs from PTI