Saudi Arabia has allegedly proposed a sum of $1 billion to Yemen’s Houthi group as part of an arrangement brokered by Iran, aimed at achieving a ceasefire and preventing further attacks on the kingdom. This information was reported by Israeli media, citing diplomatic sources based in the Gulf region. The discussions reportedly took place following a visit by Saudi Defence Minister Prince Khalid bin Salman to Tehran, where he engaged in talks concerning a potential ceasefire with the Houthis.

According to the reports, the financial offer was to be facilitated through Iran, with one diplomatic source claiming that the Saudi minister transported the funds aboard a Hercules military transport aircraft. However, a Saudi official has not confirmed any transfer of money, leaving the details of the arrangement somewhat ambiguous.

The talks reportedly included high-ranking officials, such as Turkish intelligence chief Ibrahim Kalin and Pakistan’s army chief Asim Munir, alongside Iranian President Masoud Pezeshkian and other senior figures from the Islamic Revolutionary Guard Corps (IRGC). These discussions come amid increasing attacks on Saudi airports and oil facilities by the Houthis, which have inflicted economic damage on the kingdom.

Context of the Negotiations

Iran has positioned itself as a mediator between Saudi Arabia and the Houthis, particularly in light of the rising tensions and hostilities in the region. The Houthis have intensified their attacks, alleging that Saudi Arabia has failed to uphold agreements made three years ago. Under these agreements, Saudi Arabia was expected to provide direct financial assistance to the Houthis, intended for public-sector salaries in Houthi-controlled areas and the reconstruction of civilian infrastructure.

In return, the Houthis were supposed to maintain a ceasefire and cease attacks against Saudi Arabia. However, recent months have seen the Houthis justifying their actions by claiming that Saudi Arabia has not fulfilled its commitments. The Saudi stance reportedly remains firm, asserting that the kingdom will not accept a new ceasefire under what they term “military blackmail”.

Israeli media has also reported that Riyadh is opposed to transferring any funds to the Houthis unless they return territories that were seized from Yemen’s internationally recognised government, which Saudi Arabia supports. This ongoing dispute highlights the complexities of the negotiations and the broader geopolitical dynamics at play.

Broader Regional Implications

The reported negotiations occur within a context of heightened regional tensions involving Iran, the United States, and Israel. Iran has been actively seeking to enhance its influence in the region while advocating for a security framework led by regional powers. The meetings in Tehran reportedly marked the first official engagement between representatives of the Mecca Joint Defence Alliance and Iranian leadership.

This initiative appears to have emerged during the recent visit of Pakistan’s army chief to Tehran. The reports suggest that Iran is aiming to position itself as a diplomatic mediator in the region, opposing any military interventions from the United States or Israel. The proposed $1 billion offer, along with claims that the funds were brought to Tehran by the Saudi minister, has yet to be independently verified.

As the situation continues to evolve, the implications of these negotiations could significantly affect regional stability and the ongoing conflict in Yemen. The complexity of the relationships among the involved parties underscores the challenges that lie ahead in achieving a lasting resolution to the crisis.

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