Saudi Arabia says recent 'escalation with Houthis encouraged by Iran'
Quick Look
- Saudi Deputy Minister Rayed Krimly accuses Iran of supporting the Houthis' military escalation in Yemen.
- Riyadh claims that Tehran arms the rebels in violation of UN resolutions and deplores the Houthis' refusal to negotiate in Muscat.
AI-generated summary
Why It Matters
The conflict in Yemen pits government forces backed by Saudi Arabia against pro-Iranian Houthi rebels.
Saudi Deputy Minister for Diplomacy Rayed Krimly on Thursday accused Iran of being behind the recent intensification of the conflict between Yemen's pro-Iranian Houthis and government troops supported by Riyadh.
“We believe that the escalation undertaken by the Houthis at this most recent stage of the conflict is encouraged by Iran,” he said during an online press briefing, affirming that Tehran continued to “arm, train and support in violation of UN Security Council resolutions” the movement, which is increasing its attacks against Saudi territory.
Rayed Krimly also indicated that the Houthis had refused a meeting in Oman. “At the start of this escalation, we offered to meet them in Muscat but they refused. “That’s the last communication we had with them, a few weeks ago,” he said.
Open Questions
- What will Iran's response to the Saudi accusations be?
- Will there be new attempts at mediation in Oman?
