Iran says it is deeply concerned by escalating Saudi-Houthi violence and has offered to facilitate dialogue after weekend attacks on Riyadh airport killed 14 people.
ERBIL (Kurdistan24) – Iran on Monday said it was “deeply concerned” by the escalating confrontation between Yemen’s Houthis and Saudi Arabia and offered to help facilitate dialogue following a series of deadly attacks on Riyadh’s main international airport.
“We are deeply concerned about the developments taking place in the Arabian Peninsula,” Iranian Foreign Ministry spokesperson Esmaeil Baqaei told a weekly press conference, according to Agence France-Presse.
Baqaei added that Tehran was prepared “to use our good offices to help facilitate dialogue between the parties.”
Iran’s remarks come after a weekend of escalating attacks on Saudi Arabia, including repeated strikes on King Khalid International Airport in Riyadh.
According to the latest casualty figures cited in the supplied reporting, 14 people were killed in attacks on the airport over the weekend.
Saturday’s attack killed 13 people and wounded 309, while a subsequent strike on Sunday evening killed one Pakistani national and wounded 11 others.
Saudi authorities have also been assessing material damage at the airport, while operations have faced repeated suspension because of the attacks.
The Houthis, who are backed by Tehran, have claimed responsibility for attacks on Saudi territory and have warned airlines, aviation workers and travelers against using Saudi airports and airspace, with the exception of airports in Mecca and Medina.
Saudi Arabia, meanwhile, has vowed to respond to attacks on its territory and civilian infrastructure.
Saudi-led coalition spokesperson Turki al-Maliki said coalition forces had also intercepted a Houthi ballistic missile launched toward Khamis Mushait.
The renewed violence has raised wider regional concerns as the confrontation increasingly affects civilian aviation and travel.
King Khalid International Airport has been struck repeatedly, while air traffic restrictions have disrupted passengers and international carriers.
Iran’s latest position is notable because Tehran is politically aligned with the Houthis but is publicly calling for dialogue between the parties.
Baqaei did not provide details on how Iran might seek to facilitate such talks or whether Saudi Arabia or the Houthis had requested Tehran’s involvement.
The statement nevertheless signals Tehran’s concern that the conflict could broaden further.
The escalation has already prompted reactions from Gulf states and regional governments, with officials warning that attacks on Saudi infrastructure could have consequences beyond the kingdom itself.
For now, Iran’s position is that the crisis should be addressed through dialogue, even as military exchanges between the Houthis and Saudi Arabia continue and security concerns remain high across the region.