Iran’s Araqchi Urges Dialogue Amid Escalation Between Saudi Arabia , Houthis

Tehran — Iranian Foreign Minister Abbas Araqchi on Saturday called for dialogue following renewed escalation between Saudi Arabia and the Iran-backed Houthi movement in Yemen.

Speaking to the state-run Iran newspaper, Araqchi stressed that “there is no military solution to the conflict,” insisting that the crisis must be resolved through talks involving Saudi Arabia, Yemen, and other regional actors.

Although Iran continues to support the Houthis, Araqchi argued that Yemen’s problems stem from long-standing regional disputes rather than being solely Tehran’s responsibility.

The remarks came days after the Houthis declared a “blockade” on Saudi-linked shipping and intensified attacks on global trade routes in the Red Sea disruptions that have persisted since 2023.

On Saturday, Houthi forces fired on Saudi oil facilities at Red Sea ports, with spokesman Yahya Saree claiming strikes against Aramco sites in Jazan and Yanbu. Two Asia-based trade sources reported possible damage at fuel and oil storage facilities in Jazan.

Meanwhile, Yemeni officials told Reuters that government warplanes carried out airstrikes on Houthi missile launch sites, drone bases, and weapons depots in Marib and al-Jawf provinces.

Araqchi’s appeal for dialogue underscores growing concerns that the conflict could spiral further, threatening regional stability and global energy supplies.