Saudi Arabia warns widening regional conflicts threaten shipping and energy security, condemns Houthi escalation

Saudi Arabia warned that the Middle East has entered a critical phase in which widening conflicts threaten maritime navigation, energy supplies and the global economy, while condemning continued Houthi attacks on the kingdom and Yemen.

Speaking at the Manama Dialogue in Bahrain on Saturday, Saudi Deputy Foreign Minister Waleed al-Khuraiji said the region urgently needs to contain crises, strengthen stability and pursue settlements that address the causes of conflict rather than allow them to recur.

He said Saudi security is inseparable from the stability of its regional environment and argued that sustainable development requires lasting peace.

“The Kingdom continues its diplomatic efforts, in coordination with brothers and partners, to reduce escalation and settle disputes through peaceful means in a way that preserves the security and stability of the region,” al-Khuraiji said.

At the same time, he said Riyadh is strengthening its defensive capabilities, protecting critical infrastructure and vital facilities, improving cyber security and expanding Gulf and international defence cooperation.

On Yemen, al-Khuraiji reaffirmed Saudi support for the internationally recognized government and for efforts toward a comprehensive political settlement that preserves the country’s unity and security.

He condemned what Saudi Arabia describes as continued escalation by the Houthi movement against Yemen, its people and the kingdom, particularly attacks on civilian infrastructure and threats to maritime navigation.

Saudi Arabia says such attacks undermine de-escalation efforts and diplomatic attempts to reach a political settlement in Yemen while risking a wider regional conflict.