Iran has denied accusations that it encouraged Yemen’s Houthi rebels to intensify attacks against Saudi Arabia, as missile and drone strikes continue to threaten key infrastructure and civilian facilities in the region.
Iranian Foreign Ministry spokesman Esmaeil Baqaei said Tehran had no role in the group’s military operations, insisting that the Houthis acted independently based on their own interests and assessments.
He added that Iran did not consider further escalation beneficial to any party and remained willing to support mediation efforts to end the conflict.
The denial followed allegations by Saudi Deputy Minister for Public Diplomacy Rayed Krimly, who said Iran had encouraged the latest wave of Houthi attacks. Krimly also disclosed that the rebels had rejected an offer to meet in Oman at the beginning of the renewed hostilities.
Meanwhile, Saudi Arabia’s military coalition said its forces intercepted and destroyed three drones, two cruise missiles over the Red Sea and a ballistic missile over Yanbu, a coastal city that serves as the terminus of a major oil pipeline.
The attacks have increased security concerns in Saudi Arabia, the world’s largest oil exporter, amid wider instability across the Middle East and disruptions to global energy supplies.
In Yemen, government forces backed by Saudi air support have launched operations to reclaim territories captured by the Houthis during an offensive that began in September. The rebels have seized strategic locations along the Red Sea coast, overlooking an important route for international shipping.
The violence has also affected civilian infrastructure. Two missiles landed within the perimeter of Aden airport, Yemen’s interim capital, on Friday. The city’s security office said no casualties were recorded.
The Houthis claimed the attack targeted a Saudi military command centre and a weapons depot. However, Yemen’s Information Ministry said a Yemenia Airways passenger aircraft preparing to depart for Cairo narrowly escaped being hit, with the missiles landing close to the runway.
The incident occurred a day after a missile strike on the presidential palace in Aden killed five people and injured 16 others, according to Yemen’s health minister.
Yemen’s government condemned the palace attack, while Houthi-affiliated media said the operation targeted a military headquarters used by Yemeni and Saudi coalition forces.
The renewed hostilities come amid broader regional tensions that have disrupted global energy markets, including the reported closure of the Strait of Hormuz by Iran at the start of the wider Middle East war in February.
Despite rejecting Saudi Arabia’s allegations, Tehran has reiterated its willingness to help mediate between the parties in an effort to end the fighting.
