A Saudi source denied a report by Al-Arabiya that talks with the Iran-backed Houthis under Omani mediation are planned, according to the report. The denial comes amid heightened regional tensions following the collapse of the Houthi cease-fire with Saudi Arabia.
A Saudi source denied early Wednesday an Al-Arabiya report that Oman was mediating talks between Riyadh and the Houthis, according to the report. The denial suggests that no such diplomatic initiative is currently underway, at least from the Saudi perspective. The Houthis, an Iran-backed Zaydi Shia Islamist movement, control large parts of northern Yemen and have been in a years-long conflict with the Saudi-led coalition. The report of planned talks, if true, would have marked a significant shift after the Houthis ended their cease-fire with Saudi Arabia in late July. As The Zioneer has reported, Saudi Arabia has since been preparing a large-scale military operation, including a naval and potential ground offensive, to break a Houthi-imposed maritime blockade. The original Al-Arabiya report could not be independently verified. The situation remains developing as the region watches for further diplomatic or military moves.
2 developments
- DevelopingUnverified report: Pro-Saudi Yemeni forces moving toward Houthi territory ahead of attack
- DevelopingSaudi Arabia takes Iran, Houthi threats 'very seriously,' regional sources say
- StrongLebanese Health Ministry: 4,301 killed, 12,199 wounded since March 2
- DevelopingUnverified reports of heavy clashes between Houthis and Saudi-aligned forces in southern Yemen
Source and signal
- Open-source intake