Saudi and U.S. defense chiefs discuss Houthi attacks and regional de-escalation as Yemen conflict threatens Saudi infrastructure
Saudi Defense Minister Prince Khalid bin Salman held talks with U.S. Secretary of War Pete Hegseth on Monday, November 2, to discuss strategic defense cooperation, continued Houthi attacks on Saudi Arabia and efforts to prevent further regional escalation.
The two officials reviewed bilateral military cooperation and developments across the Middle East, according to a statement issued by the Saudi minister and reported by the Saudi Press Agency.
“In a call with U.S. Secretary of War Pete Hegseth, we reviewed the strategic defense cooperation between our two countries,” Khalid bin Salman wrote on X.
“We also discussed regional and global developments, including efforts to de-escalate tensions in the region and the continued Houthi terrorist attacks against the Kingdom,” he added.
The call came as Saudi Arabia faced renewed missile and drone threats from Yemen’s Houthi movement, which has expanded attacks against Saudi territory amid the wider regional conflict involving Iran, Israel and the United States.
The Saudi-led coalition said it intercepted two drones targeting the Riyadh region on Monday night. The coalition has reported a series of Houthi attacks since early October, including threats to airports, civilian facilities and other infrastructure.
The escalation has also prompted additional international military assistance. Britain announced in October that Royal Air Force Typhoon fighter jets would conduct defensive missions over Saudi Arabia to help protect cities and critical infrastructure from Houthi missile and drone attacks.
Riyadh has simultaneously pursued diplomatic contacts aimed at containing the fighting. Khalid bin Salman also held discussions with his French and Greek counterparts on defense cooperation and regional security.
The Saudi account of the call with Hegseth did not announce any new military agreement, joint operation or specific measures arising from the discussions.