Iran offers to mediate Saudi Arabia-Houthi talks as tensions peak

STRAIT OF HORMUZ, 12 OCTOBER 2026 —

Iran has offered to facilitate negotiations between Saudi Arabia and the Yemeni Houthi group as regional tensions escalate, according to reports by Anadolu Ajansi citing Iran’s official news agency, IRNA, on Sunday.

The proposal was made by Iranian Foreign Minister Abbas Araghchi during a telephone conversation with Saudi Foreign Minister Prince Faisal bin Farhan.

Araghchi expressed concern over the rising tensions and warned that continued reliance on military action without regard for political solutions would only complicate the situation. He emphasized that there is "no military solution" to the crisis currently affecting the region. According to IRNA, Araghchi stated that Iran is ready to provide "all possible assistance" to initiate dialogue between Saudi Arabia and the Houthis and to help achieve a political settlement.

The Saudi Foreign Ministry confirmed on Sunday that the two ministers discussed the "recent increase in tensions in the region and the efforts being made to address them." The ministry noted that the phone call was initiated by Araghchi but did not provide further details.

This diplomatic exchange occurred against a backdrop of intensifying military tensions in the area, including repeated Houthi attacks on airports in Saudi Arabia and disruptions to shipping activities in the Strait of Hormuz.

The context for these diplomatic moves includes a significant recent incident where an attack on King Khalid International Airport in Riyadh, Saudi Arabia, on Saturday resulted in 13 deaths and hundreds of injuries. On Sunday, the Saudi-led coalition supporting the internationally recognized Yemeni government accused the Houthis of carrying out the airport attack and vowed to take strict action.

Shipping activities in the Strait of Hormuz have also been disrupted following restrictions imposed by Iran on ship routes in April. These restrictions were enacted after the United States and Israel launched a war against Iran in February. The ongoing conflict has created a volatile environment where military confrontations and diplomatic efforts are proceeding simultaneously.

The Iranian offer to mediate marks a notable shift in diplomatic engagement during a period of heightened conflict. By positioning itself as a potential facilitator for dialogue between Riyadh and the Houthis, Tehran is attempting to influence the trajectory of the regional crisis. The Saudi-led coalition’s vow to take strict action following the Riyadh airport attack underscores the immediate military risks that any political resolution must address.

The outcome of these diplomatic overtures remains contingent on the willingness of all parties to engage in substantive negotiations amidst the ongoing hostilities.

Related: Abbas Araghchi · Strait of Hormuz