CAIRO (AP) — Iran's government is encouraging the latest escalation in attacks by the Tehran-backed Houthi rebels and does not appear ready to make necessary concessions in the ongoing conflict with the United States, according to Rayed Krimly, Saudi Arabia's deputy minister for public diplomacy. He spoke during a briefing on Thursday following a series of Houthi attacks targeting various locations in Saudi Arabia, including the Riyadh international airport and the headquarters of the oil company Aramco.
Krimly stated that at least 19 individuals, including foreigners, have been killed in what he described as war crimes. He noted that King Khalid International Airport has been targeted 20 times by the Houthis this month, as reported by a spokesperson for the Saudi-led coalition.
The ongoing conflict has highlighted Saudi Arabia's difficulties in intercepting Houthi attacks, which have further unsettled global markets. Krimly mentioned that the Saudi government has appealed to allies, including the United States, for increased military support.
In July, Saudi Arabia reached out for a meeting with the Houthis in Oman to discuss outstanding issues and de-escalate tensions, but the rebels declined to participate. Shortly after, the Houthis made significant territorial advances along Yemen's Red Sea coast, capturing land near the Bab el-Mandeb Strait, a vital shipping route. In response, the Saudi-led coalition launched a military offensive in Yemen to reclaim these areas, escalating tensions between Saudi Arabia and Iran.
Krimly asserted that the Houthi escalation is encouraged by Iran, which he accused of continuing to arm and support the Houthi militia in violation of U.N. Security Council resolutions. He indicated that while Iran has expressed openness to dialogue, Saudi Arabia has not sought Iranian mediation, maintaining direct communication with the Houthis through Omani facilitation.
Saudi Arabia continues to engage with Iran directly, with recent phone conversations between the foreign ministers of both countries occurring amid the Houthi attacks. Iranian Foreign Minister Abbas Araghchi has criticized the Saudi blockade on the Houthis as unjust and illegal.
On the broader conflict involving Iran, Krimly stated that Saudi Arabia supports mediation efforts by Qatar and Pakistan to facilitate discussions between Washington and Tehran. He highlighted two key issues being addressed: ensuring safe passage for ships through the Strait of Hormuz in exchange for lifting the U.S. blockade on Iranian ports, and establishing a clearer framework for negotiations regarding Iran's nuclear program.
Krimly expressed frustration over the slow pace of Iranian responses to mediators, noting that discussions often lead to temporary arrangements rather than concrete solutions. He also mentioned that Saudi Arabia believes China and Russia are involved in supporting Iran and the Houthis, although he provided limited details on this involvement.
A recent report indicated that the Houthis are attempting to develop a medium-range ballistic missile system with assistance from Chinese components. Krimly confirmed that Saudi Arabia maintains communication with members of the Gulf Coordination Council, including the United Arab Emirates, which had previously been part of the coalition against the Houthis but has since reduced its support.
Regarding a mutual defense agreement recently signed with Pakistan and Turkey, Krimly did not provide further information on the potential assistance from these countries as Houthi attacks continue.