- Iran denies encouraging Houthi attacks on Saudi Arabia.
- Tehran offers mediation to end ongoing Saudi-Houthi conflict.
- Saudi Arabia intercepts Houthi missiles; Indian flights suspended.
Saudi-Houthi Conflict: Iran on Friday rejected Saudi Arabia’s claim that it had encouraged Yemen’s Houthi rebels to increase attacks against the Kingdom. Calling the allegation “not credible,” Tehran said it was instead ready to help end the fighting. The clarification comes amid reports that Iranian support has helped the Houthis carry out more advanced attacks against Saudi Arabia and its allies in Yemen in recent times.
Iran Denies Involvement In Houthi Attacks
Iranian Foreign Ministry spokesperson Esmaeil Baqaei denied that Tehran had played any role in the Houthis’ military operations. He said the Houthis were acting according to their own interests and decisions. “The Islamic Republic of Iran rejects any claim that Iran has played a role in Yemeni (Houthi) operations,” he said.
He added, “Yemen’s armed forces act according to their own interests and assessments, and such claims are not credible to those familiar with relations between Iran and its friends.” Tehran further maintained that the claims made by Saudi Arabia were not believable and rejected accusations of directing the Houthis’ actions.
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🚨 IRAN DENIES ROLE IN HOUTHI ATTACKS ON SAUDI ARABIA Tehran rejects Riyadh’s accusations. “The Islamic Republic of Iran rejects any claim that Iran has played a role in Yemeni (Houthi) operations,” Iranian Foreign Ministry spokesman Esmaeil Baqaei declared. Iran also offered to mediate between Saudi Arabia and the Houthis.
— Mossad Commentary (@MOSSADil) October 16, 2026
Iran Offers To Mediate
Iran also stated that further fighting would not benefit any side and expressed its willingness to help bring the conflict to an end through diplomatic efforts. “Iran does not consider an escalation of tensions to be in the interests of any party,” Baqaei said, adding that Tehran “has always been ready to use its good offices to help end the hostilities".
Meanwhile, Saudi deputy minister for public diplomacy Rayed Krimly said that the Houthis had rejected an offer to meet in Oman at the beginning of the latest round of fighting. Moreover, Saudi Arabia’s military coalition said on Friday that it had intercepted and destroyed three drones over southern Saudi Arabia and Riyadh. It also reported intercepting two cruise missiles over the Red Sea.
The coalition further said that it had intercepted a ballistic missile over Yanbu, a Red Sea city that is an important endpoint of a major oil pipeline. At the same time, Yemen stated that two missiles landed inside the perimeter of Aden airport. Yemeni government forces, backed by Saudi Arabia, have launched a counter-offensive against the Houthis.
Indian Airlines Suspend Flights
Earlier on Friday, Air India and Air India Express suspended flights to and from Riyadh, Jeddah and Dammam in Saudi Arabia until October 20 due to the changing security situation in the region. Air India said on X that it was closely monitoring the situation and would decide when flights could safely resume. The airline also said that affected passengers would receive a full refund.
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