Iran renews offer to mediate Saudi-Yemen conflict amid escalation

ISLAMABAD/BAGHDAD: Iran has renewed its offer to facilitate a political settlement between Saudi Arabia and Yemen, calling for direct dialogue to end a conflict that has persisted since 2014-15.

The proposal, reiterated by Iranian Foreign Minister Seyed Abbas Araghchi during diplomatic engagements in Baghdad on October 17-18, comes amid reports of escalating attacks in Saudi Arabia and Yemen. Tehran says it is prepared to use its diplomatic channels to support negotiations if the parties request assistance.

The latest initiative was discussed during the 52nd session of the Organisation of Islamic Cooperation (OIC) Council of Foreign Ministers in Baghdad, where Araghchi met regional counterparts, including Egyptian Foreign Minister Badr Abdelatty.

Iran Renews Diplomatic Push

According to the Iranian Foreign Ministry, Araghchi spoke by telephone with Saudi Foreign Minister Prince Faisal bin Farhan Al Saud on October 11, reiterating Tehran’s willingness to support dialogue and a political process.

Iranian Foreign Ministry spokesman Esmail Baghaei also said on October 16 that Tehran remained ready to offer its good offices if both sides sought its involvement.

Iran maintains that a political settlement is the only sustainable way to end the conflict and prevent further civilian casualties and economic losses.

The renewed offer follows years of Iranian diplomatic initiatives, including a four-point peace proposal presented in 2015, support for UN-led efforts and the 2023 agreement between Iran and Saudi Arabia to restore diplomatic relations under Chinese mediation.

Reports of Escalation Raise Concerns

The diplomatic initiative comes amid reports of attacks targeting sensitive locations in Saudi Arabia and Yemen.

According to the supplied account, a missile attack near King Khalid International Airport on October 11 killed 13 people. On October 16, five missiles reportedly targeted Al-Maashiq Presidential Palace in Aden, leaving five people dead and 16 injured.

Reports of airstrikes in Yemen’s Taiz and Dhamar governorates also emerged on October 18, with claims of civilian casualties.

These incidents underline the risks of further escalation and the importance of protecting civilians and civilian infrastructure in accordance with international humanitarian law. The reported incidents and casualty figures require independent verification.

A Decade of Mediation Efforts

Iran has repeatedly expressed support for diplomatic efforts to resolve the conflict. Its initiatives have included proposals for ceasefires, humanitarian assistance and intra-Yemeni dialogue, alongside support for UN-led peace efforts.

The 2021 Iran-Saudi talks in Baghdad and the March 2023 Beijing agreement marked significant steps towards reducing tensions between the regional rivals. The restoration of diplomatic relations created an opportunity for both countries to pursue greater regional stability.

Tehran has continued to present itself as a potential facilitator, arguing that regional resources should be directed towards development rather than prolonged conflict.

Saudi Arabia’s Position

Saudi Arabia’s approach, as described by Gulf diplomatic sources cited in the supplied account, centres on protecting national sovereignty, territorial security and the Kingdom’s interests while supporting a sustainable political settlement in Yemen.

Riyadh has previously backed ceasefire initiatives and UN-led diplomatic efforts. A senior Gulf diplomatic source said the Kingdom’s approach combined firmness in defending its sovereignty with openness to genuine opportunities for peace.

Saudi Arabia has also emphasised the importance of regional stability for its economic transformation agenda under Vision 2030.

Yemen and the OIC Factor

Yemen’s internationally recognised government, based in Aden, has been described as supportive of a genuine political process under UN auspices that preserves the country’s unity and territorial integrity.

The OIC meeting in Baghdad provides a multilateral platform for regional countries to discuss de-escalation, civilian protection and diplomatic solutions. However, any meaningful settlement would require the participation of the relevant Yemeni parties, Saudi Arabia and other stakeholders.

Iran’s renewed offer does not, as presented, impose a formal settlement framework or predetermined conditions. Instead, Tehran says it is willing to facilitate dialogue if the parties request its involvement.

The proposal’s significance will ultimately depend on whether it leads to practical steps towards reducing attacks, establishing a durable ceasefire and resuming negotiations.

For the wider region, a credible diplomatic breakthrough could help reduce humanitarian suffering, ease regional tensions and redirect resources towards reconstruction and development.