Iran Offers To Mediate Between Saudi Arabia, Houthis Amid Regional Escalation

ISTANBUL, Oct 12 (NNN-Anadolu) -- Iran has offered to help facilitate talks between Saudi Arabia and Yemen's Houthi group amid escalating regional tensions, Anadolu Ajansi reported, citing Iranian Foreign Minister Abbas Araghchi on Sunday, Anadolu Ajansi reported, citing  Iran’s official IRNA news agency.

Araghchi made the offer during a phone call with Saudi Foreign Minister Prince Faisal bin Farhan. 

The Iranian minister expressed concern over rising tensions, warning that continued reliance on military action while ignoring political solutions would further complicate the situation.

He stressed that there was "no military solution" to the region's ongoing crises.

Araghchi said Iran was ready to provide "any possible assistance" to initiate dialogue between Saudi Arabia and the Houthis and help reach a political settlement, IRNA reported.

Earlier Sunday, the Saudi Foreign Ministry said the two ministers discussed "the recent escalation in the region and the efforts being made to address it."

The ministry said the phone call was initiated by Araghchi but provided no further details.

The talks came amid a regional military escalation, including repeated attacks by the Houthis on Saudi airports and disruptions to shipping through the Strait of Hormuz.

An attack on King Khalid International Airport in the Saudi capital Riyadh on Saturday killed 13 people and injured hundreds.

On Sunday, the Saudi-led coalition supporting Yemen's internationally recognised government accused the Houthi group of carrying out the airport attack and vowed a firm response.

Shipping through the Strait of Hormuz has also faced disruptions following restrictions that Iran imposed on vessel transit in April after the US and Israel launched a war against Iran in February.

--NNN-ANADOLU