Saudi diplomat says Houthis turned down a meeting with Saudi Arabia in Oman
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- Saudi Arabia says the Houthis rejected a proposed meeting in Oman aimed at resolving differences and ending the escalation.
- Riyadh says it maintains direct communication channels with the group and has not sought Iranian mediation.
A senior Saudi diplomat said the Houthis rejected a proposed meeting with Saudi Arabia in Oman two weeks ago, according to The Associated Press.
Saudi Deputy Foreign Minister for Public Diplomacy Rayed Krimly told reporters that Riyadh had sought the meeting with the Iran-backed group “to resolve outstanding differences and bring an end to this escalation.”
“We maintain direct channels of communication with the Houthis, and Oman serves as a facilitator of these talks and not as a mediator,” Krimly said.
His remarks indicate that Saudi Arabia continues to maintain direct communication with the Houthis despite the latest escalation in the region.
Although Iran’s government has expressed openness to dialogue to help end the fighting, Krimly said Saudi Arabia had not asked Tehran to mediate.
The comments come amid continued regional tensions and efforts to explore diplomatic channels to contain the conflict.
