Saudi Arabia announced that on Monday it faced a new wave of missile and drone attacks, and Riyadh airport will remain closed due to security threats. These developments occurred after a deadly missile attack on the departure terminal of Riyadh airport on Saturday, which was claimed by the Iran-backed Houthis.
Rising Tensions in the Region
Analyses indicate that the Houthis have continued their assault on Saudi airports and oil facilities since last week, which is part of an escalating conflict stemming from broader regional tensions between the United States and Iran. These attacks have led to the closure of parts of Saudi airspace and the suspension of operations at Riyadh airport, while the city is hosting a major energy conference.
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Saudi Arabia is now in a difficult situation as it has returned to the Yemeni civil war to prevent the Houthis from controlling the vital Bab al-Mandab strait and its oil route, and to halt the sudden advances of this group in September. Yemeni forces supported by Saudi Arabia have made some gains around Bab al-Mandab, but continue to face challenges on other fronts.
Iran's Mediation Proposal
Meanwhile, Iran, Saudi Arabia's long-time regional rival, has announced its readiness to mediate between its supported Houthis and the kingdom. Iranian Foreign Ministry spokesman, Ismail Baqaei, stated on Monday: "We have repeatedly expressed our readiness to facilitate dialogue between the parties." This remark could be interpreted as a sign of diplomatic efforts to reduce tensions in the region.
While Saudi Arabia has intensified its airstrikes against the Houthis, including what Yemeni television reported on Monday as strikes on Al-Jawf province, the Houthis show no signs of reducing their attacks on Saudi infrastructure. The group has repeatedly threatened to target Saudi airports and airspace, as well as oil facilities that fuel the kingdom's economy and its development plans.
Saudi Arabia's Energy Minister, Prince Abdulaziz bin Salman, announced at a conference on Monday that the country will focus on attracting investment as part of its broader economic development goals. He added: "The development of our energy system and industrial capabilities will continue."
Saudi Arabia and the United Arab Emirates have been partners in the Yemen war over the years, but last summer, due to differences, they reduced their support for various forces in the Yemeni military coalition.
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