Iranian Foreign Minister Seyyed Abbas Araghchi offered to mediate talks between Saudi Arabia and Yemen during a Sunday telephone call with Saudi Foreign Minister Faisal bin Farhan, even as Iran-backed Houthi rebels intensified attacks on Saudi infrastructure.
The diplomatic overture came amid an escalating campaign against King Khalid International Airport in Riyadh. A projectile struck passenger terminals serving domestic flights on Sunday, marking the fourth strike on the facility in five days. The attack followed a Saturday missile strike that killed at least 12 people and wounded over 300 others, making it the deadliest attack on a Gulf Arab nation since the Iran war began, according to the Saudi-led coalition. An Indian citizen died Sunday from injuries sustained in the earlier assault.
The Houthis claimed responsibility for both Sunday's and Saturday's strikes. Saudi authorities reported injuries from the latest attack on terminals 3 and 4, though details on the extent of damage remained limited. The airport remained closed following Saturday's strike.
During the call, Araghchi expressed concern about escalating regional tensions and argued that military approaches alone would worsen the situation. He stated that existing crises in the region have no military solution and that Iran is prepared to assist in initiating dialogue between Saudi Arabia and Yemen to reach a political resolution.
The Iranian foreign minister's mediation offer contrasts sharply with the military escalation on the ground. The repeated attacks on the airport have drawn international attention, with President Donald Trump indicating he is weighing U.S. military involvement against the Houthis, though the White House provided no formal comment on Sunday's strike.
The Arab League responded to the escalation by affirming full support for Saudi Arabia. Secretary-General Nabil Fahmy described the attacks as violations of international law and threats to regional security, calling on the international community to take decisive measures to stop the assaults and hold those responsible accountable. Fahmy stressed that Saudi Arabia's security is integral to Arab national security.
The strikes also coincide with ongoing maritime tensions in the Strait of Hormuz, adding to regional instability. The Houthis have controlled Yemen's capital, Sana'a, since September 2014 and have maintained their campaign despite the Saudi-led coalition's military response.