Reports Allege Iran Aids Houthi Attacks on Saudi Arabia

Reports citing intelligence sources and regional security experts allege that Iranian assistance has helped Yemen’s Houthi group intensify attacks on Saudi Arabia and its Yemeni allies. Iran has denied directing the group, and the claims have not been independently confirmed.

What the Reports Say

• The assistance is alleged to include intelligence for targeting drone and missile strikes, military training and tactical guidance.

• The Houthis are reported to control Yemen’s coastline along the Bab al-Mandeb Strait, a key shipping route linking the Red Sea and the Gulf of Aden.

• Recent attacks reportedly targeted Saudi energy infrastructure and airports, including King Khalid International Airport in Riyadh. The Saudi-led coalition says the airport was targeted 20 times in October.

Saudi Position

Saudi Deputy Minister for Public Diplomacy Rayed Krimly said Riyadh believes the escalation is encouraged by Iran, which he accused of arming and supporting the Houthis in breach of UN Security Council resolutions and the 2023 Beijing agreement. He said the Houthis rejected a Saudi proposal for talks in Oman in July, but that Saudi Arabia remains open to dialogue with Tehran and keeps direct channels with Iranian officials.

Iran’s Position

Iran’s Foreign Ministry spokesperson said in September that the Houthis are independent actors who make decisions based on their own interests.

Support for Mediation

Krimly said Saudi Arabia supports mediation led by Pakistan and Qatar to end the wider US-Iran conflict. He named two main obstacles: securing safe commercial passage through the Strait of Hormuz in exchange for the US lifting its naval blockade, and agreeing the framework for future talks on Iran’s nuclear programme.