Saudi-led coalition confirmed it intercepted and destroyed ballistic missiles and drones launched by Houthis towards the eastern province and Riyadh, as the conflict intensified. The strikes come a day after Saudi Arabia met Iranian officials to seek support in ending the war.
As per reports by local media, three ballistic missiles were targeted towards Saudi Arabia’s eastern region and four drones were launched towards the country’s southern region, the coalition said. An early warning alert was issued for the potential threat in the eastern region and in Kharj governate, later saying that danger in both areas had passed.
Saudi Arabia has intensified its strike on the Iran-backed Houthis since the group captured the strategic waterways Bab el-Mandab and areas along Red Sea – It key port in the West. The renewed fighting between the two sides also shattered the 2022 UN-brokered truce that largely halted attacks between the Saudi-led coalition, which backs Yemen’s government internationally and Iran backed Houthi’s.
Saudi Arabia, Pakistan and Turkey Hold Talks With Iran
Earlier on Monday, senior officials from Saudi Arabia, Pakistan and Turkey met Iranian leaders in Tehran to explore ways to reduce the tensions between the Yemen and Saudi Arabia.
The meeting comes as tension between Saudi Arabia and Yemen’s Houthis escalated with the Iran-backed groups claiming attacks on Saudi airports, oil facilities and military sites. Saudi Arabia reportedly has been intercepting missiles and drones in the attacks.
Subsequently, Egypt approved military support for the Gulf kingdom. As per reports, the meeting, which marked the first high-level engagement between Iran and the three countries since they signed the Mecca mutual defense pact in August. Saudi Arabia said the visit was aimed to establish diplomatic channels to prevent the return of military escalation.
The Saudi delegation was led by Defense Minister Prince Khaled bin Salman, the younger brother of MBS. Pakistan was represented by Army Chief Marshal Asim Munir, while Turkey sent a delegation that included intelligence chief Ibrahim Kalin.
The Iranian state, which is brokering the talks, released photographs showing President Masoud Pezeshkian, Foreign Minister Abbas Araghchi and senior security official Mohsen Rezaei attending the discussion. Following the meeting, the four countries agreed to continue talks to strengthen regional cooperation and maintain peace and security.
Iran’s security chief Mohsen Rezaei has said regional security in West Asia must be driven by countries within the region, following talks. According to a statement carried by Iranian state media, Rezaei said the four countries agreed that regional problems should be addressed through cooperation rather than foreign intervention.
“Following the Iranian nation’s resistance and the strength of the Armed Forces, a new and positive atmosphere has emerged in the region and in talks with senior officials from Turkiye, Pakistan and Saudi Arabia,” Rezaei, secretary of Iran’s Supreme National Security Council, was quoted as saying.