Iran rejects Saudi claim it armed or encouraged Houthi attacks, says the group acts independently and renews offer to mediate

Iranian Foreign Ministry spokesperson Esmaeil Baqaei on Friday rejected Saudi Arabia’s accusations that Tehran armed or encouraged Houthi attacks against the kingdom. He said Iran had no role in Yemeni operations and that the Houthi militia acts according to its own interests and assessments.

Baqaei spoke a day after Riyadh said Iran had encouraged the group’s recent escalation, which has included repeated strikes on Saudi targets such as oil facilities, Red Sea tankers and international airports. A Saudi foreign ministry official had previously said the Houthis rejected an offer to meet in Oman, while the Saudi-led military coalition reported intercepting multiple incoming drones, cruise missiles and a ballistic missile.

Baqaei dismissed the allegations as lacking credibility amid mounting tensions and casualties reported by Riyadh. He argued that escalation serves no party’s interests and reiterated Tehran’s offer to mediate between the two sides, saying Iran remained ready to use its good offices to help end the hostilities.