Iran Pushes Diplomatic Talks to End Saudi‑Houthi Hostilities

Iranian Foreign Minister Abbas Araghchi declared on Saturday that Tehran backs a political dialogue aimed at ending the fighting between Saudi Arabia and Yemen's Houthi movement. He made the remark during a speech to the Organisation of Islamic Cooperation in Baghdad, emphasizing that a comprehensive and inclusive negotiation is the only realistic route to lasting peace. The Houthi rebels have repeatedly struck Saudi targets, notably oil facilities and the capital’s main airport, where a recent raid left 13 dead. Araghchi reiterated Iran’s willingness to act as a mediator, a stance also echoed earlier by Deputy Foreign Minister Saeed Khatibzadeh, who noted that Riyadh has not yet responded to Tehran’s peace overture. On the previous day, Iran rejected claims by Saudi officials that Tehran was behind the Houthi attacks, stating it had no role in the escalations. The foreign minister added that regional security can be built only through joint effort, warning that failure to cooperate would mean shared insecurity. He pledged Tehran’s readiness to work with neighboring nations toward that goal. The Houthis and Lebanon’s Hezbollah form part of Iran’s so‑called “Axis of Resistance,” which also includes armed factions in Iraq and stands opposed to Israel and the United States. ## Context