Middle East & North Africa
Saudi Arabia: Iranian Foreign Minister Araghchi phones Faisal bin Farhan amid Houthi attacks on the kingdom
Iran’s Foreign Minister Abbas Araghchi phoned Saudi counterpart Prince Faisal bin Farhan, one of several regional contacts he held on Thursday, as the Houthis keep striking Saudi airports and energy facilities.
Saudi Foreign Minister Prince Faisal bin Farhan received a phone call on Thursday, November 5 from his Iranian counterpart Abbas Araghchi. The Saudi Press Agency (SPA) announced that the two men discussed developments in the region and the current efforts to strengthen security and stability. The contact took place as Yemen’s Houthis continue to strike the kingdom’s airports and energy infrastructure with missiles and drones.
Iran’s WANA agency reports that Araghchi spoke separately with Faisal bin Farhan and with Qatar’s Prime Minister and Foreign Minister, Sheikh Mohammed bin Abdulrahman Al Thani, about regional developments and diplomatic efforts to restore stability.
A round of contacts with six more countries
The call to Riyadh was one of several contacts the Iranian minister held the same day. Araghchi spoke with Oman’s Foreign Minister, Badr Albusaidi. The Omani news agency said the two ministers stressed the need to move from de-escalation to lasting agreements based on practical arrangements that would ensure the safety of sea routes, end the state of war and prevent new hostilities.
Qatar, which mediates between Washington and Tehran, said the discussion concerned coordination to reduce tensions and that Qatar supports efforts for freedom of navigation. Araghchi also contacted Kuwait’s Foreign Minister, Sheikh Jarrah Jaber Al-Ahmad Al-Sabah, his Turkish counterpart and Jordan’s Deputy Prime Minister and Foreign Minister Ayman Safadi. He also spoke with the UAE Foreign Minister, Sheikh Abdullah bin Zayed, who, according to the WAM agency, stressed that diplomatic efforts must be advanced and tensions reduced.
The Houthi attacks on the kingdom
Houthi missile and drone attacks on Saudi airports, oil facilities and other infrastructure have intensified since July, when fighting resumed in Yemen. In October at least 20 people were killed and more than 350 injured in a series of attacks on Saudi airports; see our report on the explosion at Riyadh airport. On Thursday the Saudi-led coalition announced that it had intercepted and destroyed a missile launched towards Medina.
Last month Saudi authorities accused Iran of encouraging the Houthi escalation and of continuing to arm, train and support the group. Tehran denied any involvement in the attacks and argued that the Houthis make their own military decisions.
