Iran Says Saudi Arabia Has Not Responded to Yemen Mediation Offer
Iranian Deputy Foreign Minister Khatibzadeh stated that Saudi Arabia has yet to reply to Tehran's offer to mediate peaceful solutions to the Yemen conflict.
PothikTV News Desk: 17 October 2026, 9:05 am
Iranian Deputy Foreign Minister Khatibzadeh stated that Saudi Arabia has not yet responded to Iran’s efforts and offer to mediate a peaceful resolution to the ongoing conflict in Yemen. The offer comes as tensions escalate between Saudi Arabia and Yemen’s Houthi rebels.
Recent reports indicate renewed friction following Houthi attacks that reportedly caused damage to key infrastructure and Riyadh Airport in Saudi Arabia. Despite Tehran’s willingness to step in, Saudi Arabia has clarified its stance regarding direct involvement and mediation efforts.
A Saudi deputy foreign minister previously noted that Riyadh suggested a meeting in Oman to hold talks with the Houthis, but the group declined to participate. Saudi Arabia also emphasized that it has not requested Iranian mediation, noting that it maintains direct contact mechanisms with the Houthis.
Iranian Foreign Ministry Spokesman Esmaeil Baghaei stated that Iran remains ready to play a role in ending conflicts and de-escalating regional tensions. He stressed that events over the past 12 years demonstrate that the Yemen crisis cannot be resolved through external interference or military means, but rather through political and peaceful efforts.
Baghaei highlighted that the Yemeni people have suffered from air and naval blockades for over a decade, bearing hardships resulting from sanctions imposed by external actors, including the United Kingdom and the United States. He urged regional nations and the Islamic world to take joint and concrete measures to address the situation in Yemen.
Addressing allegations regarding Iran’s involvement in military operations carried out by Yemeni armed forces, Baghaei rejected the claims. He stated that Yemeni forces make decisions independently based on their own interests, adding that those familiar with Iran’s relationships in the region do not find such allegations credible.
The spokesperson called for respect for Yemen’s national sovereignty and territorial integrity, demanding an end to interference in Yemen’s internal affairs as well as the lifting of the air and sea blockades. He added that escalating regional tensions serves no party’s interest and described U.S. and Israeli actions in Lebanon as violations of the Islamabad Memorandum of Understanding.
