Saudi Arabia has offered a $1 billion financial package to Yemen’s Houthi rebels as part of efforts to secure a ceasefire and stop attacks on the kingdom’s critical infrastructure, according to a report by Israeli newspaper Israel Hayom. The alleged proposal, which involves Iran acting as a mediator, comes amid escalating regional tensions and disruptions to oil exports.
Saudi Arabia’s foreign ministry confirmed that Prince Khalid bin Salman visited Tehran alongside representatives of countries met with the Mecca Joint Defence Alliance. One source claimed that the minister brought the money aboard a Hercules military transport aircraft. It also referred to mediation efforts involving Qatar and Pakistan. The discussions reportedly brought together senior representatives from Saudi Arabia, Pakistan and Turkey, including Pakistan army chief Field Marshal Asim Munir and Turkish intelligence chief Ibrahim Kalin. Iran was represented by President Masoud Pezeshkian, Supreme National Security Council secretary Mohsen Rezaei and senior officials from the Islamic Revolutionary Guard Corps (IRGC).
Its statement, though, did not mention the alleged $1 billion offer or confirm that a financial agreement with the Houthis had been reached.
The ministry said the visit was part of efforts to reduce tensions, promote dialogue and pursue diplomatic solutions. Iran offered to facilitate negotiations between Riyadh and the Houthis as part of efforts to contain the conflict in Yemen and reduce attacks on Saudi targets, according to Israel Hayom. The proposed financial package is linked to earlier understandings between Saudi Arabia and the Houthis, according to the report. A Saudi official told Israel Hayom that the dispute partly stems from the failure to implement agreements reached around three years ago.
The report, published on Monday, cited Gulf diplomatic sources who said Saudi defence minister Prince Khalid bin Salman travelled to Tehran for discussions aimed at ending Houthi attacks on Saudi territory.
