Iran backs 'political process' to resolve Saudi-Houthi conflict: FM

Iranian Foreign Minister Abbas Araghchi stated on Saturday in Baghdad that Tehran supports a political process to resolve the escalating Saudi-Houthi conflict.

Iran woes to resolve the Saudi-Houthi conflict

Iranian Foreign Minister Abbas Araghchi confirmed that Tehran supports an inclusive political process to resolve the Saudi-Houthi conflict. Speaking at the Organisation of Islamic Cooperation in Baghdad, Araghchi emphasized that diplomatic dialogue remains the only practical and sustainable method to achieve lasting peace between Saudi Arabia and Yemen's Iran-backed Houthi movement.

Iran call’s for diplomatic dialogue between Saudi Arabia and Houthis

Tehran seeks to position itself as a key regional diplomatic mediator while denying direct involvement in recent military escalations. Houthi forces have repeatedly launched attacks against critical Saudi Arabian infrastructure, including energy facilities and Riyadh's international airport, where a major strike killed 13 people last week. Saudi Arabia accused Tehran of encouraging these attacks, but Iranian officials rejected those claims on Friday.

Iranian leaders continue to promote diplomatic mediation despite receiving no formal response from Saudi officials regarding previous peace overtures. Saeed Khatibzadeh, Iran's Deputy Foreign Minister, previously noted that Riyadh has not responded to Tehran's mediation offer. During his address in Baghdad, Araghchi stated that regional nations must either build collective security together or endure shared insecurity.

How do the Houthis fit into Iran's broader regional strategy?

The Houthi movement operates as a primary component of Tehran's network of regional allies across the Middle East. Together with Hezbollah in Lebanon and various armed groups in Iraq, the Houthis form Iran's self-described Axis of Resistance against Israel and the United States. Tehran maintains that political cooperation with neighbouring states remains its preferred path forward for long-term Gulf security.