Riyadh

Iraqi Prime Minister al-Kadhimi traveled to Saudi Arabia and then Iran, where he met with senior Iranian officials. President Raisi told al-Kadhimi that “the talks of the countries’ officials can solve the region’s problems”, highlighting “the need for the officials of the countries in the region to negotiate to solve problems and issues with each other”. He further maintained that “normalisation of relations with Israel or the presence of foreigners in the region will not solve any problem”. Foreign Minister Amirabdollahian told al-Kadhimi that “Iran wishes nothing but the welfare of the region and supports the reopening of [Iranian and Saudi] embassies in the capitals of the two countries”. The two also conferred on Yemen, where Amirabdollahian reiterated “Iran’s support for the continuation of ceasefire”.

In a joint statement with Jordan, Saudi Arabia stressed “the importance of supporting international efforts aiming at preventing Iran from owning nuclear weapons”, noting too “Arab efforts to urge Iran [to] commit to refraining from interfering in the affairs of Arab states... and sparing the region all destabilising activities”. 

Saudi Arabia sanctioned nineteen individuals and entities it said were “involved in activities that range from providing financial support to the Huthis to facilitating funding of the militia and smuggling Iranian fuel to it”.

U.S. Central Command announced that “coalition and regional partner air forces joined two U.S. Air Force B-52 Stratofortresses… on a presence patrol mission across the U.S. Central Command area of responsibility” the previous day. A senior U.S. commander highlighted that “these highly coordinated efforts demonstrate our combined ability to provide global reach and joint security to the region”.

The U.S., Saudi Arabia, Bahrain and four other members of the Terrorist Financing and Targeting Center (TFTC) announced sanctions designations against three individuals for being “part of two networks directed by and providing financial support to the IRGC-QF and its terrorist proxy Hizbollah”, and “two terrorist groups affiliated with the IRGC” active primarily in Bahrain. The designees had been previously sanctioned by the U.S.

The UN Special Envoy for Yemen announced that “the parties to the conflict have agreed to the United Nations’ proposal to renew the current truce in Yemen for two additional months”. The U.S. State Department praised the announcement, emphasising that “the U.S. remains committed to an inclusive, durable resolution to the conflict”.

Secretary of State Antony Blinken remarked that “Saudi Arabia is a critical partner to us in dealing with extremism in the region, in dealing with the challenges posed by Iran and also I hope in continuing the process of building relationships between Israel and its neighbors both near and further away through the continuation, the expansion of the Abraham Accords”.

The Gulf Cooperation Council’s (GCC) ministerial council underlined “the need for negotiations on the Iranian nuclear file, and any future negotiations with Iran, to include its destabilising behaviour in the region, its sponsorship of terrorism and sectarian militias, its missile program and the safety of international navigation and oil installations”. The ministers also emphasised “the need for the GCC states to participate in those negotiations and all regional and international discussions and meetings related to this matter”. Iran’s diplomatic spokesperson described the statement as “groundless and unjustifiable” with respect to the JCPOA, while highlighting: “Iran has always considered neighbourly interactions and cooperation as a solution to regional issues and welcomes all initiatives regarding the development of relations”.

Secretary of State Antony Blinken conferred with his Saudi counterpart on, inter alia, “the challenge posed by Iran’s nuclear program and its destabilising behaviour in the region and opportunities for greater cooperation on regional issues”.

After Foreign Minister Amirabdollahian referred to possibility of a meeting with his Saudi counterpart, a Saudi official denied any scheduled meeting between the two, described the progress of Iran-Saudi talks as “not enough” and asserted: “Iran must build confidence for future cooperation, and there are several issues that can be discussed with Tehran if it has the desire to de-escalate tensions in the region”.

Asked about reports about “a U.S. brokered deal involving [Saudi Arabia,] Egypt and Israel”, Saudi Foreign Minister Faisal bin Farhan maintained that “we always envisioned that there will be full normalisation with Israel… a full normalisation between us and Israel, between the region and Israel, will bring immense benefits – we won’t be able to reap those benefits unless we address the issue of Palestine”. On 26 May, the White House confirmed that two senior U.S. officials had been “in the region to follow up on conversations on a range of issues, including Iran’s destabilising activities, ensuring stable global energy supplies and other regional issues”.

Saudi Foreign Minister Prince Faisal bin Farhan remarked that “we are very much focused… on delivering a vision of the future that is built on hope, that is built on prosperity, that is built on development, that is built on cooperation”, adding: “this is a message that… Saudi Arabia but also the other GCC states… are trying to send to our region, including to our neighbours in Iran. Our hands are stretched out”. “Going into a new era of cooperation in the region can deliver benefits for all of us”, he continued. “It needs a decision in Iran to sign onto that vision of a much more prosperous, cooperative future”. Farhan further noted that regional talks with Iran had “made some progress, but not enough”, urging “Iran to lean into what can be a very, very important sea-change in our region”. He also emphasised that “the JCPOA, if it, happens will be potentially a good thing if it’s a good deal. But for us, it is most important that we address the holistic issues – the nuclear nonproliferation, regional activity – and that can be done, but it needs a sincere desire to look to the future rather than the past”.

A senior advisor to Iran’s Supreme Leader remarked that “Iran and Saudi Arabia… can complement each other’s capacities to ensure peace and stability and development in the region. The two countries have chosen the path of dialogue to resolve their differences”. He further contended that “the presence of foreign forces in the region has always led to successive conflicts and even war”.

Senior U.S. and Saudi defence officials convened the U.S.-Saudi Strategic Joint Planning Committee, where, according to a Pentagon readout, discussions addressed issues including “a broad range of security challenges throughout the Middle East region, including the war in Yemen, maritime threats and violent extremist organisations”. It added that: “The delegations spoke extensively about Iran’s destabilising activities in the region, and… agreed to enhance efforts to counter the smuggling of illicit weapons to violent non-state groups in the region”. The U.S. Undersecretary of Defense further “noted the need to work together on advancing regional integrated air and missile defence”, and “both sides agreed on the importance of continuing to advance the U.S.-Saudi military cooperation”.

U.S. National Security Advisor Jake Sullivan met with Saudi Arabia’s deputy defence minister, reiterating “President Biden’s commitment to help Saudi Arabia defend its territory, and… appreciation for Saudi Arabia’s leadership in securing a UN-brokered truce in Yemen”.

The Saudi energy minister reiterated that “we [ie, Kuwait and Saudi Arabia] are proceeding with [the Dorra gas] field, we have made a joint public statement encouraging Iran to come to the negotiation table if they claim they have a piece of that [field] and it remains a claim”.

CENTCOM Commander Erik Kurilla described “Iran as the most destabilising force in the Middle East”, adding: “The U.S.’s position is that we will not allow a nuclear Iran. However, our concerns about Iran go beyond its nuclear capability”. He further indicated that “we are concerned about the smuggling of advanced conventional munitions by sea to support Huthi operations. Therefore, anti-smuggling operations with the Royal Saudi Naval Forces will serve as an area of focus for me… maintaining safe and secure waterways is a critical responsibility for us and our partners”.

Iran’s diplomatic spokesperson confirmed that “the fifth round of talks between Iran and Saudi Arabia in Baghdad was held [on 21 April]… with the efforts of the Iraqi government and the preparations and assistance of the Omani government”, adding: “The talks were forward-moving and positive”.

The Saudi foreign ministry announced that the Kingdom and Kuwait had “agreed to expedite the development and exploitation of the Dorra field”, noting that they “had previously invited the Islamic Republic of Iran to negotiate the delimitation of the eastern boundary of the submerged divided zone but these call were not met”.  The two countries “as a single negotiating party, renew their invitation to the Islamic Republic of Iran to hold these negotiations”, Riyadh indicated.

Iran’s foreign minister asserted that in discussions with Iraq’s top diplomat they “agreed on welcoming the ceasefire in Yemen and the importance of Yemeni-Yemini talks and the lifting of the inhumane siege”. He also “welcomed the Iraqi government’s efforts to resume the Iranian-Saudi dialogue”.

Addressing Saudi Arabia, Supreme Leader Ali Khamenei asserted: “There is no chance of victory [in Yemen]. So why does a war in which there is no chance of victory continue? Find a way out of this war”.

Iran’s diplomatic spokesperson indicated that “we are ready for the continuation of talks [with Saudi Arabia] and for the settlement of differences. We have submitted our views in written form to the Saudi side, and they should express their views”.

The UN Special Envoy for Yemen announced that “the parties to the conflict have responded positively to a United Nations proposal for a two-month Truce which comes into effect tomorrow”. U.S. National Security Advisor Jake Sullivan expressed hope that the “initiative will establish a new foundation for political talks and a lasting settlement”. Noting 30 March U.S. sanctions linked to Iran’s ballistic missile program, he further asserted that “even as we work to end the war in Yemen, there can be no doubt about President Biden’s commitment to supporting the defence of our partners, including the UAE and Saudi Arabia… We will continue to use all appropriate authorities to hold Iran and its proxy groups accountable for threats against our friends and partners”. Relatedly, Iran’s diplomatic spokesperson welcomed the ceasefire announcement and reiterated support for “a political initiative to resolve the Yemen crisis”.

Saudi Arabia announced that it had “unilaterally and in coordination with the U.S. Treasury Department… classified 25 individuals and entities involved in the activities of facilitating the financial activities of the terrorist Huthis militia with the support of the Quds Force of Iran’s IRGC, working as an international network aimed at destabilising Yemen”.

The U.S. sanctioned “five Iranian individuals and entities… for their involvement in Iran’s ballistic missile-related activities”. According to the State Department, the designation followed “Iran’s recent missile attack on Erbil, Iraq, as well as missile attacks by Iranian proxies against Saudi Arabia and the United Arab Emirates. These attacks are a reminder that Iran’s development and proliferation of ballistic missiles pose a serious threat to regional and international security”. Iran’s diplomatic spokesperson condemned the U.S. move as “continuation of the failed policy of maximum pressure”, asserting: “The U.S. claims to be ready to return to full implementation of its obligations under the nuclear deal, while it continues to significantly violate the UN Security Council resolution 2231”.

Saudi Arabia’s energy minister acknowledged that Huthi attacks had impacted “our ability to supply the world with the necessary energy requirements”. He further remarked that “we have developed and delivered our side of the story… Others need to deliver their own side of the commitment. Otherwise, the very pillar of energy security will be disturbed, to say the least”. The minister also stated: “Who has been throwing these rockets and missiles at us and at Abu Dhabi? Who is financing? Who’s training? Who’s supplying these weapons? It is a member of OPEC”.

The U.S. and nine other countries, including Saudi Arabia and Israel, conducted a bomber task force mission across the CENTCOM area of responsibility. A U.S. Air Force commander stated that “this mission clearly signaled our ability to quickly bring forces to the theatre and operate seamlessly with our partners during a training event that signals our combined commitment to regional stability and defence”.

Secretary of State Antony Blinken told his Saudi counterpart that the U.S. “again condemned the recent Huthi terrorist attacks against the Kingdom” and exchanged views on “the UN’s proposal for a Ramadan truce in Yemen and efforts to launch a new, more inclusive and comprehensive peace process”. Blinken also reaffirmed “the U.S. commitment to bolstering Saudi Arabia’s defences against threats in the region” and the two “discussed the challenge posed by Iran’s nuclear program”. The following day, meeting with the crown prince of Abu Dhabi, Blinken expressed determination to help the UAE defend itself against the Huthis, adding: “We will be consulting on Iran, another shared challenge, the status of the talks on the JCPOA, but also the work we can do together and need to do together to strengthen our collective security”.

Iran’s diplomatic spokesperson condemned an agreement between Saudi Arabia and Kuwait over developing a gas field as “illegal”, maintaining that “parts of it are located in areas between Iran and Kuwait whose water boundaries have not been defined” and stating Tehran’s willingness to engage in bilateral and trilateral negotiations on the matter. He also noted that Iran “reserves the right to tap the Arash/Al-Durra gas field”. On 29 March, Kuwait’s foreign minister insisted that the field was “purely a Kuwaiti-Saudi field”.

The Huthis announced a 3-day “suspension of missiles and drone strikes and all military actions towards Saudi Arabia by land, sea and air” from 27 March, expressing “readiness to turn this suspension into a final, continuous and permanent commitment in the event that the Kingdom announced the withdrawal of all external forces of the coalition from Yemeni lands and waters, and a complete halt to support for its local militias”. On 29 March, Iran hailed the Huthi move and asserted: “If there is serious and positive engagement with this initiative, it can set the stage for ending the current war”. The Saudi-led coalition the same day announced a “cessation of military operations in Yemen” beginning 30 March.

The Saudi-led coalition reported downing a Huthi ballistic missile and ten armed drones bound for multiple Saudi cities. The coalition also reported that Huthi attacks caused a fire at an Aramco facility in Jeddah and additionally targeted water and electricity facilities. A Huthi military spokesperson claimed that they had launched “large numbers of drones… [and] dozens of ballistic missiles” against Saudi targets. A U.S. official said “the attacks are unacceptable and have also affected Saudi infrastructure as well as schools, mosques and workplaces”.

Foreign Minister Amirabdollahian maintained that Iran “welcomes a natural return to bilateral relations with Saudi Arabia. However, mixed messages have been received from the Kingdom. We expect that the Saudis will act in the interest of the region”.

The Saudi-led coalition reported intercepting two Huthi “booby-trapped boats”, foiling what it described as an “imminent and hostile” attack against commercial shipping. “The Huthi militia is escalating its hostile attacks to target energy sources and the vein of global economy”, the coalition added.

A U.S. diplomatic spokesperson indicated that “we have been in close consultation… with our Gulf partners” regarding the Vienna talks, adding: “We are facing a shared challenge and, in some ways, a shared threat from Tehran. We’ve seen that in terms of Tehran’s support for terrorist groups, for regional proxies, its use of malicious cyber activity, the way in which it is funding and supplying some of the movements that are creating a much more volatile, unstable region. So, for our part, we will continue to partner closely with our partners in the Gulf, with our partners throughout the Middle East, to push back on Iran’s malign activity”.

The Saudi-led coalition reported downing a Huthi ballistic missile bound for Jizan.

Media reports citing U.S. officials indicated that the U.S. had “transferred a significant number of Patriot antimissile interceptors to Saudi Arabia within the past month”, adding: “The transfers sought to ensure that Saudi Arabia is adequately supplied with the defensive munitions it needs to fend off drone and missile attacks by the Iran-backed Huthi rebels in neighbouring Yemen”. A U.S. military spokesperson did not confirm the reporting, but maintained that “we’re committed to helping Saudi Arabia defend itself against very real threats to their territory and to their people coming out of Yemen. We’re in constant discussions with the Saudis about this threat environment and always looking for ways to continue to help them defend themselves”.

The Saudi-led coalition reported downing a Huthi ballistic missile and nine armed drones bound for targets including energy facilities and water infrastructure in multiple cities; debris caused material damages but no casualties. According to the statement, “Iranian cruise missiles” were used in the attacks. The following day the Saudi foreign ministry stated that Riyadh would “not incur any responsibility for any shortage in oil supplies to global markets in light of the attacks on its oil facilities”, highlighting “the gravity of Iran’s continued behaviour of equipping the terrorist Huthi militias with the technology of the ballistic missiles and advanced UAVs”, and urging the international community to “stand firm against the Iranian-backed Huthi terrorist militias”. The White House condemned the attacks, asserting: “The Huthis launch these terrorist attacks with enabling by Iran, which supplies them with missile and UAV components, training and expertise”. Urging the Huthis to engage with UN de-escalation efforts, the U.S. stressed that “we will continue to fully support our partners in the defense of their territory from Huthi attacks”.

The U.S. along with Saudi Arabia, Bahrain and Kuwait conducted an exercise aiming “to enhance integration… in the area of air and missile defence”. A U.S. military official maintained that “in the face of the increasing threats we all face from malign actors in the region, we designed this combined exercise to enhance regional civil and military interoperability and process development and hone the skills necessary to defend our homelands and bases from the expanding air and missile threats”.

Iranian media reported that Iran had suspended the fifth round of the talks with Saudi Arabia, which according to Iraq’s foreign minister had been scheduled for 16 March.

Saudi Arabia’s energy ministry reported that a drone attack against an oil refinery had caused a “small fire”, which did not result in any casualties or damage. A Huthi military spokesperson claimed that they had targeted Aramco facilities in Riyadh, Jizan and Abha using drones.

The Saudi-led coalition reported downing a Huthi drone bound for Jizan.

The U.S. and the Gulf Cooperation Council (GCC) held Working Groups on Integrated Air and Missile Defence and Maritime Security in Riyadh. Participants denounced “Iran’s malign behaviour through proxies and direct use of advanced ballistic missiles, cruise missiles and Unmanned Aircraft Systems (UAS). Iran has used these weapons and supported terrorist and other armed groups to conduct hundreds of attacks in the region”. They further emphasised “the importance of strengthening the ability of the GCC countries to collectively address these threats”, noting too “the importance of having advancing integrated defence initiatives” as well as prospective “joint training and exercises to prevent Iran from holding the region at risk”.

Saudi Arabia, in a joint statement with Egypt, emphasised “the importance of dealing seriously and effectively with Iran’s nuclear and missile file with all its components and its repercussions in a way that contributes to achieving regional and international security and stability”. They also highlighted “the danger of Iran’s hostile behaviour towards the countries of the region and the danger of the regime’s possession of weapons of mass destruction on the region and the world, and that any international agreement in this regard must be made with the participation of the countries of the region”.

Foreign Minister Amirabdollahian maintained that Tehran and Riyadh “have different views and approaches on some issues in the region, but the management of those differences by the two sides can serve the interests of the two nations, as well as friendly and brotherly countries”. He further said that bilateral contacts had “created a good atmosphere and yielded results, albeit small ones, and we are pleased that Saudi Arabia has taken the path of dialogue. Such a view, if held continuously, can lead to positive results”.

Crown Prince Mohammed bin Salman remarked that “they [ie, Iran] are neighbours. Neighbours forever… It’s better for both of us to work it out and to look for ways in which we can coexist. And we had a four-rounds of negotiation. We heard statements from Iranian leaders which we welcome in Saudi Arabia. And we are going to continue through the details of the negotiation. Hopefully, we can reach a position that's good for both countries and is going to create a brighter future for this country and Iran”. He also noted: “Any country around the world that has a nuclear bomb – that’s dangerous, regardless if it’s Iran or any other country. So we don’t want to see that. We don’t want to see a weak nuclear deal”.

The UN Security Council adopted a resolution expanding the arms embargo against the Huthis through February 2023 by a vote of 11 to zero, with four abstentions. The resolution urged countries “to increase efforts to combat the smuggling of weapons and components via land and sea routes, to ensure implementation of the targeted arms embargo”, while denouncing “the cross-border attacks by the Huthi terrorist group, including attacks on Saudi Arabia and the United Arab Emirates”. Iran’s diplomatic spokesperson opined that the resolution would “have negative consequences for [the] peace process and positions of the conflicting parties”.

The Saudi-led coalition reported that a Huthi “booby-trapped drone” landed in Jizan; there were no reported injuries.

The Saudi-led coalition reported downing a Huthi drone bound for an airport in Jizan. Debris injured sixteen.

Speaking alongside the Emir of Qatar, President Raisi remarked that “Iran seeks to help strengthen and promote regional relations… The countries of the region should pursue and operate crises and issues within the region through further consultations and talks”. “I extend my hand of friendship to all countries in the region, especially our neighbours, in the interests of the nations and maximum interaction”, he remarked. Raisi also told the Qatari Emir that “the expansion of the Zionist regime’s [ie, Israel’s] presence in the region is to the detriment of all countries, because this regime will overshadow the stability and security of other countries”.

In a joint statement with the EU, GCC ministers “stressed that a full and effective implementation of the JCPOA can contribute to comprehensive and lasting efforts to ensure that the Gulf region remains permanently free of nuclear weapons and help address other regional issues”. The communique also condemned “in the strongest terms” Huthi attacks against Saudi Arabia and the UAE.

Foreign Minister Amirabdollahian conveyed to his Iraq counterpart “Iran’s readiness to continue talks with Saudi Arabia”, noting: “This depends above all on the will of the other side”. The same day, Saudi Foreign Minister Prince Faisal bin Farhan expressed interests in the resumption of bilateral talks with Tehran, while noting a “lack of substantive progress” in prior discussions. He also maintained that a revived JCPOA would be “a starting point, not an end point” in tackling regional issues, adding: “That will indeed require from our neighbours in Iran a serious desire to address the underlying issues that exist... We hope that there is a serious desire to find a new modus operandi… If we see substantive progress on those files, then yes rapprochement is possible. So far we have not seen that”.

The Saudi-led coalition reported intercepting a Huthi “explosive-laden boat… in the south of the Red Sea”.

The Saudi Cabinet asserted that “the Kingdom is committed to deescalating tensions in the region and supporting efforts by the U.S. to prevent Iran from obtaining nuclear weapons”, while highlighting “the need to work together to counter the destabilising activities of Iran’s proxies in the region”.

The Saudi-led coalition reported downing a Huthi drone bound for Abha International Airport; debris injured twelve. A Huthi military spokesperson claimed that they had successfully “targeted an important military site” at the airport. The White House condemned what it described as a “terrorist attack”, pledged to hold the Huthis accountable and reiterated its commitment “to supporting Saudi Arabia in the defence of its people and territory”.

President Biden conferred with King Salman on “regional developments and issues of mutual concern, including Iranian-enabled attacks by the Huthis against civilian targets in Saudi Arabia”, reiterating “the U.S. commitment to support Saudi Arabia in the defence of its people and territory from these attacks and full support for UN-led efforts to end the war in Yemen”. Biden also emphasised “his commitment to ensuring that Iran can never obtain a nuclear weapon and briefed the King on ongoing multilateral talks to reestablish constraints on Iran’s nuclear program”. 

A Danish court found three members of an Iranian opposition group, Arab Struggle Movement for the Liberation of al-Ahwaz (ASMLA), “guilty of financing and supporting terrorist activity in Iran in collaboration with Saudi Arabian intelligence services as well as espionage”.

The U.S. Defense Security Cooperation Agency (DSCA) notified Congress of the State Department “approving a possible Foreign Military Sale to the Kingdom of Saudi Arabia of Multifunctional Information Distribution System-Low Volume Terminals (MIDS-LVT) and related equipment for an estimated cost of $23.7 million”. It noted that “the proposed sale will provide the Saudi armed forces with… support necessary to protect Saudi Arabia, and the region, from the destabilising effects of terrorism, countering Iranian influence and other threats”. The State Department also approved the sale of $65 million in weapons to the UAE.

A U.S. diplomatic spokesperson remarked that “our Saudi partners are now in a position to prevent about 90 per cent of… incoming [Huthi] projectiles. Of course, we want to raise that to 100 per cent. And we’re committed to working with the UAE and Saudi Arabia to help them bolster their defences. We’re doing that through security cooperation, through arms transfers, defence trade, exercises, training and exchanges”.

The U.S. Navy announced the commencement of the International Maritime Exercise (IMX) 2022, described as “the Middle East region’s largest maritime exercise… [that] includes 9,000 personnel and up to 50 ships from more than 60 partner nations and international organizations”. Saudi Arabia, Bahrain and Israel were among the participants.

Iranian Foreign Minister Amirabdollahian told his Qatari counterpart that “in recent weeks, we have witnessed an increase in military moves regarding Yemen, and such moves will lead to outbreak of further wars in Yemen and the region, and destroy the path to peace”. The following day, during a conversation with the UN Secretary-General, he emphasised Iran’s approach of “supporting a political solution to end the war in Yemen”.

The U.S., Saudi Arabia, the UAE, Oman and the UK jointly “strongly condemned the Huthis’ repeated attacks against civilians within Yemen, including U.S. local staff in Sanaa and their continued heinous terrorist attacks against Saudi Arabia and more recently the UAE”, while recognising “the legitimate right of Saudi Arabia and the UAE to defend themselves”. The five countries also conferred on “the illicit Iranian provision of missiles and advanced weaponry to the Huthis in violation of UNSCR 2216 and UNSCR 2231”.

Referring to Huthis airstrikes against Saudi Arabia and the UAE, a U.S. diplomatic spokesperson remarked that designation of the Huthis as a terrorist organisation was “under review”, adding: “we will continue to work with out allies and partners in the region especially to promote accountability for the Huthis, for those Huthi leaders that have been behind these terrorist attacks… I would venture to guess you will see additional steps on our part”. “We’re not going to relent in designating Huthi leaders and entities involved in military offensives that threaten civilians”, he added, while asserting: “When you talk about the humanitarian crisis, there is one actor that is primarily responsible for the suffering of the Yemeni people, the widespread suffering of the Yemeni people. And that is the Huthis”.

The Saudi-led coalition reported downing a Huthi missile bound for Saudi Arabia; debris caused material damage. Another missile landed in a civilian neighbourhood in Jizan, injuring two and causing material damage. A Huthi military spokesperson claimed that they had targeted “sensitive sites in Jizan and Asir [and] a number of military bases” with missiles and drones. The same day, CENTCOM confirmed that “U.S. forces at al-Dhafra Air Base, near Abu Dhabi in the UAE, engaged two inbound missile threats with multiple Patriot interceptors” and, along with UAE forces, “successfully prevented both missiles from impacting the base. There were no U.S. casualties”. The Huthi official said that other than the base, they had attacked “vital and important sites in Dubai” using drones. The U.S. denounced the attack as a “troubling escalation” and expressed “commitment to help strengthen the defence of our Saudi and Emirati partners”. Iranian Foreign Minister Amirabdollahian maintained that “we are concerned about the escalation of the war and call on Saudi Arabia and the UAE to take a political and constructive approach to end the humanitarian blockade, end the war and accept the Yemeni-Yemeni talks as the continuation of the ongoing situation is not in the interest of the region”.

Speaking with his Saudi counterpart, U.S. Secretary of State Antony Blinken underscored “the U.S. commitment to help Gulf governments improve their capabilities to defend themselves against threats from Yemen and elsewhere in the region and underscored the importance of mitigating civilian harm”. 

The Saudi-led coalition reported downing multiple Huthi drones bound for Saudi Arabia.

The UAE confirmed that “small flying objects, possibly belonging to drones” had caused the explosion of three petroleum tankers owned by Abu Dhabi National Oil Company, in addition to “a minor fire” at Abu Dhabi International Airport; the former resulted in three deaths and six injuries. The Huthis claimed responsibility for the attacks, using missiles and drones, “in response to the escalation of the U.S.-Saudi-Emirati aggression”, and claimed that other “important and sensitive Emirati sites and facilities” had been targeted. The U.S. condemned the attack, as did Israel, where Prime Minister Bennett offered “intelligence and security support” to the UAE. Too, a senior Saudi official contended that the Huthis “aren’t interested in peace and remain hostage to their regional backer”, adding: “Huthi terrorism is perpetuated by a flow of Iranian weapons”. Iran’s foreign ministery spokesperson, without referring to the attack specifically, called for “a calm atmosphere away from tensions and violence”.

U.S. Special Representative for Iran Robert Malley met with a Vienna-based Saudi diplomat; the State Department indicated that “these engagements are part of the U.S. commitment to consulting closely with our regional partners on the ongoing [JCPOA] talks”.

The Saudi-led coalition reported that the Huthis had “targeted the civilian communications infrastructure in southern Saudi Arabia” with drones.

The Saudi-led coalition reported downing five Huthi drones bound for Saudi Arabia.

The Saudi-led coalition reported downing three Huthi drones bound for Najran, followed by intercepting “a hostile aerial target… launched towards Taif city” the next day.

UK Maritime Trade Operations said it had “received reports of an attack on an MV [motor vessel]… approximately 23 nautical miles west of Ras Isa Marine Terminal”. The Saudi-led coalition identified the vessel as the UAE-flagged Rwabee, accused the Huthis of “piracy and hijacking” and indicated that the ship had been “carrying medical field equipment”. The Huthis maintained that it had “entered Yemeni waters without authorisation” and bore “clearly military equipment”. The U.S. denounced the seizure, calling on “the Huthis to immediately release the ship and crew unharmed and to cease all violence that sets back the political process to end the war in Yemen”.

King Salman remarked that “Iran is a neighbour to the Kingdom, and we hope it will change its negative policies and behaviours in the region and moves towards dialogue and cooperation”. He further referred to “the formation and support of sectarian and armed militias, the systemic deployment of its military capabilities in regional countries and its failure to cooperate with the international community regarding its nuclear program and the development of ballistic missiles”, as concerns. 

A U.S. diplomatic spokesperson asserted that “there have been more than 375 [Huthi] cross-border attacks since the beginning of the year… They endanger not only our Saudi partners but the 70,000 U.S. citizens residing there”. He added: “With U.S. support Saudi Arabia has been able to knock down some 90 per cent of those attacks. Of course, our goal is to see to it that that number rises to 100 per cent. We will continue to work with our Saudi partners to stand up against these really deplorable Huthi attacks, and we will continue to hold the Huthis accountable for their reprehensible actions”.

The Saudi-led coalition reported that Huthi projectiles had struck Najran and Jizan; two civilians were killed in the latter incident. A Huthi military spokesperson claimed that they had successfully “targeted important and sensitive sites [in Jizan]... with three ballistic missiles”. 

Foreign Minister Amirabdollahian met with his Iraqi counterpart in Tehran and hailed “Baghdad’s initiative to host talks between Iran and Saudi Arabia”. He also announced that “last week, Saudi Arabia agreed to grant visas to three of our diplomats who will start work at the Organization of the Islamic Conference in Jeddah”. Amirabdollahian further indicated that “we offered a set of practical and constructive proposals to the Saudi side” in prior discussions, voicing hope that “the two countries’ delegations will meet in Baghdad in the near future and will work on the implementation of the next phase of the agreements”. Discussing the JCPOA negotiations, Iraq’s top diplomat posited: “the time has come for direct talks between Washington and Tehran to reach common understandings not just on the nuclear issue, but also on sanctions”.

The Saudi-led coalition reported downing a Huthi “armed drone attempting to target Abha International Airport”, in addition to intercepting “an explosives-laden boat in the southern Red Sea”.

Foreign Minister Amirabdollahian accused Saudi Arabia of being “very late in making a decision” regarding the evacuation of Iran’s ambassador to the Huthis back to Tehran while he was suffering from what was described as a fatal COVID-19 infection. The Saudi-led coalition described Iran’s claim as “defamatory” and noted that Riyadh “had commenced the facilitation of evacuating the aforementioned person for humanitarian considerations, and in recognition of the diplomatic mediation by the brotherly Sultanate of Oman and the Republic of Iraq in less than 48 hours of reporting his health condition”.

GCC and UK foreign ministers jointly underscored that “this is the last opportunity to restore the JCPOA as Iran’s continued nuclear escalation is permanently eroding the benefits of the deal and undermining regional and international security”, adding: “the JCPOA is the best avenue towards inclusive, and more lasting diplomatic efforts to ensure regional security in a Gulf region permanently free of nuclear weapons”. They further raised “grave concern about the escalation in Iran’s destabilising activities in the region” and denounced “the proliferation of advanced ballistic missiles and Unmanned Aircraft Systems (UAS) used by Iran and its proxies in hundreds of attacks against civilians and civilian infrastructure”. Iran’s diplomatic spokesperson characterised the communique as “baseless” and maintained: “[Iran] considers the means of resolution of the regional problems to lie in interaction and cooperation, and therefore welcomes whatever constructive initiative in this area”.

The Saudi-led coalition reported downing a Huthi drone bound for Khamis Mushait; the following day it intercepted another drone aimed at an airport in Jizan.

The Saudi-led coalition reported downing two Huthi missiles bound for Abha; Saudi Arabia also reported material damage in Jizan caused by a Huthi projectile.

The Supreme Council the Gulf Cooperation Council voiced willingness “to cooperate and deal seriously and effectively with the Iranian nuclear file”, emphasised “the need for the GCC countries to participate in any negotiations with Iran” and denounced “Iran for failing to adhere to its international commitments regarding Uranium enrichment”. The GCC further underlined “the need to address the destabilising behaviour of [Iran in] the region and support extremist sectarian militias… the Iranian missile program, including ballistic and cruise missiles and drones, the safety of international navigation and oil installations and the continuation of coordination and consultation with brotherly and friendly countries in this regard”. They also condemned “Iran's interference into Yemen’s domestic affairs and smuggling weapons to Huthi militias”. Iran’s diplomatic spokesperson condemned the statement and asserted: “the Islamic Republic does not brook any interference in its peaceful nuclear energy program, its defensive missile program and the issues that have to do with its military and deterrent defensive policies”.

Saudi Foreign Minister Prince Faisal bin Farhan remarked that “so far the reports [on JCPOA negotiations] show there is some stalling by Iran and we hope this will turn to progress… GCC states prefer to be part of the talks that would be open to any mechanism that addresses their concerns”. The Saudi diplomat went on to state that “we want a long and comprehensive nuclear agreement with Iran, and we hope the negotiations will succeed. We want to have a normal relationship with Iran, and that depends on it”.

Saudi Arabia’s UN envoy indicated that “we would like to push these discussions [with Tehran] towards substantive issues that involve the behaviour of the Iranian government in the region. But as long as the Iranians continue to play games with these talks they are not going to go anywhere… We are not interested in talks for the sake of talks”. He further asserted that the Yemen war “has proved to be intractable simply because the Huthis continue to receive a continuous supply of weapons and ammunition from their benefactors, particularly Iran”.

Following Saudi Crown Prince Mohammad bin Salam’s visit to Doha, Saudi Arabia and Qatar jointly highlighted “the importance of cooperation and dealing seriously and effectively with Iran’s nuclear and ballistic missile programs with all its components and repercussions… emphasising the principles of good neighbourliness and respect for the UN resolutions and international legitimacy and sparing the region from all destabilising activities”. The following day, Saudi Arabia and Bahrain also issued a joint statement “stressing the importance of cooperation and dealing serious and effectively with Iran’s nuclear and ballistic missile programs”, and urging “the concerned parties to take into account the interests, security and stability of the countries of the region”. Relatedly, Saudi Foreign Minister Prince Faisal bin Farhan underscored that “we continue to support a return to the deal. But we see it as incomplete; any return [to the JCPOA] should be only the first step towards a longer and stronger deal… The current deal doesn’t protect us from an Iranian nuclear or military capability”.

The Saudi-led coalition reported that a Huthi “projectile… landed near a marketplace in the Saudi city of Jizan”. The following day the coalition announced the downing of a Huthi drone.

Meeting the UAE’s National Security Advisor, the secretary of Iran’s Supreme National Security Council, Ali Shamkhani, affirmed that “warm and friendly relations with neighbours as well as an exchange of economic, trade and investment capacities are the Islamic Republic of Iran’s main foreign policy priorities… Through cooperation and collective efforts, countries in the Persian Gulf region can both bring prosperity to their nations and also play an important role as an energy hub in the regional and international economy”. During a separate meeting, President Raisi asserted that “the security of the countries of the region is intertwined and Iran supports the security of the Persian Gulf littoral states”.

Saudi Arabia reported downing a ballistic missile fired by the Huthis toward Riyadh; the Saudi-led coalition also downed two Huthi drones bound for Saudi Arabia. A Huthi military spokesperson claimed that they had targeted several “military sites… with a number of ballistic missiles and 25 drones”.

The Saudi-led coalition reported downing four Huthi drones bound for southern Saudi Arabia.

The Saudi-led coalition reported intercepting a Huthi “explosive-laden boat… in the south of the Red Sea”, in addition to downing a Huthi drone.

The Saudi-led coalition reported that it had “launched air raids on ‘legitimate’ Huthi military targets in the capital Sanaa including a ‘secret’ site belonging to the Iranian Revolutionary Guards”. Iran’s diplomatic spokesperson subsequently characterised the Saudi claims as “baseless”, asserting that Iran had “never maintained a military presence in Yemen”.

The Saudi-led coalition reported downing a Huthi drone bound for Najran airport.

The Saudi-led coalition reported downing three Huthi “explosives-laden drones” bound for Saudi Arabia, adding that two Huthi-fired missiles targeting the Kingdom fell short inside Yemen. A Huthi military spokesperson claimed that they had targeted with drones multiple “military and vital targets” in Saudi Arabia.

Officials from the U.S., Germany, France and the UK, GCC, Egypt and Jordan convened in Saudi Arabia and conferred on “the political and security situation in the region, including Iran’s actions… [and] the upcoming seventh round of talks on the return of Iran and the U.S. to mutual, full compliance with the JCPOA”. The U.S. and E3 hailed “regional partners’ efforts to deescalate tensions and promote dialogue in the region”, and “affirmed their determination to continue to address broader security concerns of the region”. They emphasised too that “enhanced regional dialogue and a return to mutual compliance with the JCPOA would benefit the entire Middle East, allow for more regional partnerships and economic exchange, with long-lasting implications for growth and the well-being of all people there, including in Iran”.

U.S. and Gulf Cooperation Council (GCC) officials held a “Working Group on Iran” in Riyadh and denounced “a range of aggressive and dangerous Iranian policies, including the proliferation and direct use of advanced ballistic missiles and Unmanned Aircraft Systems (UAS)”. They concurred “that Iran’s nuclear program is of great concern”, and also “that Iran’s support to armed militias across the region and its ballistic missile program pose a clear threat”. According to a joint statement, “members of the GCC briefed on their efforts to build effective diplomatic channels with Iran to prevent, resolve or de-escalate conflicts, backed by strong deterrence and defence cooperation with the U.S.”, underscoring that “deeper economic ties after the lifting of U.S. sanctions under the JCPOA are in the mutual interest of the region”, and warning: “these diplomatic efforts will not succeed if Iran continues to provoke a nuclear crisis”.

Saudi Arabia reported downing two Huthi “explosive-laden drones” bound for Khamis Mushait.

The Saudi-led coalition reported downing a Huthi “explosive drone” bound for Khamis Mushait.

CENTCOM announced that two B-1 bombers “flew a presence patrol mission in the Central Region that included several coalition and partner nation air forces… [which] represented the U.S. led coalition’s commitment to promoting regional stability through partnership”.

Saudi-led coalition reported the downing of three Huthi ballistic missiles bound for Saudi Arabia.

The Saudi-led coalition reported downing a Huthi “explosive drone” bound for Khamis Mushait, in addition to thwarting “an imminent attack” by “ an explosive-laden boat” against the port of Hodeida.

Saudi state media reported downing “a Huthi drone” bound for Abha International Airport.

The Saudi-led coalition reported downing a Huthi drone bound for Jizan.

The U.S. administration notified Congress of “a possible Foreign Military Sale to the Kingdom of Saudi Arabia of AIM-120C Advanced Medium Range Air-to-Air Missiles (AMRAAM) and related equipment for an estimated cost of $650 million”. A State Department official noted that “we’ve seen an increase in cross-border attacks against Saudi Arabia over the past year. Saudi AIM-120C missiles… have been instrumental in intercepting the persistent UAS attacks that have put U.S. forces at risk and threatened the more than 70,000 U.S. citizens in the Kingdom”.

The Saudi-led coalition reported downing a Huthi “explosive-laden drone” bound for Khamis Mushait.

Discussing a diplomatic rupture between Riyadh and Beirut, Saudi Foreign Minister Faisal bin Farhan remarked that “dealing with Lebanon and its current government is not productive and not helpful with Hizbollah’s continuing dominance of the political scene”. “Engagement [with Lebanon] at this point is not productive or useful. And it’s not really in our interest”, Farhan added. “The political scene in Lebanon continues to be dominated by Hizbollah, a terrorist group, a group that by the way, arms and supplies and trains that Huthi militia”. Subsequently, Lebanon’s foreign minister underscored that “If they just want Hizbollah’s head on a plate, we can’t give them that… Hizbollah is a component of politics in Lebanon. It has a regional armed dimension, yes, but this is beyond what we can resolve”.

Foreign Minister Prince Faisal bin Farhan remarked that “the talks [with Iran] are cordial but remain in an exploratory vein. We continue to hope that they will produce tangible progress ... but so far, we have not made sufficient progress to be optimistic… we are open to continue”. The following day Iran’s foreign ministry spokesperson indicated that “we are still some distance away from reopening of the embassies in Tehran and Riyadh… If we can start this process, I must say that it can start soon”.

The Saudi-led coalition reported downing five Huthi ballistic missiles bound for Jizan.

The Saudi-led coalition reported downing a Huthi “explosive-laden drone” bound for Abha International Airport.  

The Saudi-led coalition reported downing a Huthi ballistic missile bound for Jizan.

U.S. Special Representative for Iran Robert Malley met with Saudi Arabia’s foreign minister and discussed, according to Saudi state media, the JCPOA negotiations and “joint action to stop Iranian support for terrorist militias”.

The UN Security Council denounced “Huthi cross-border attacks against Saudi Arabia… [and] the increasing number of incidents off the coast of Yemen, including attacks on civilian and commercial ships”. The members urged “an immediate nationwide ceasefire, in accordance with resolution 2565 (2021), and called for the resolution of differences through inclusive dialogue and the rejection of violence to achieve political goals”. The council also “called on all Member States and other actors to comply fully with their obligations under the targeted arms embargo”.

Urging a “quick resumption” of JCPOA talks, Foreign Minister Prince Faisal bin Farhan contended that “I think we are in a very dangerous place. The fact that we continue to see acceleration of those activities ... leads to the devaluation of the JCPOA”. He further referred to Iran-Saudi talks and remarked: “These interactions, while cordial, have been exploratory in nature and have not reached a state where we can say that we’ve made substantial progress”.

The Saudi-led coalition reported downing a Huthi “booby-trapped drone” bound for Jizan.

Foreign Minister Prince Faisal bin Farhan met with Secretary of State Antony Blinken conferring on “U.S.-Saudi strategic cooperation on regional issues, including the common goal of reaching a durable solution to end the conflict in Yemen”. According to a U.S. readout, Blinken expressed “the U.S. government’s commitment to help Saudi Arabia defend its territory and people and reiterated U.S. condemnation of Huthi attacks on the Kingdom”.

The Saudi-led coalition reported intercepting two Huthi “explosive-laden boats”, and stated: “the Huthis continue to threaten shipping lines and international trade in the Bab al-Mandab strait and the southern Red Sea”.

The Saudi-led coalition reported downing a Huthi “booby-trapped drone” bound for Khamis Mushait.

The Saudi-led coalition announced that “five people received minor injuries after a Huthi projectile fell on Jizan airport”. The following day, Saudi Arabia’s UN ambassador wrote to the Security Council president and called on the council “to shoulder its responsibility towards the Huthi militia, their weapons supplier and the resources which fund their terrorist acts”.

The Saudi-led coalition reported downing a Huthi explosive drone bound for Abha International Airport; debris injured four. Later in the day, the coalition also intercepted one ballistic missile and two explosive drones bound for Khamis Mushait. The U.S. embassy in Riyadh “condemn[ed] the outrageous attacks by the Huthis against civilians”.

The Saudi-led coalition reported intercepting three Huthi “explosives-laden boats in the Red Sea”. The same day, the coalition targeted two drones in Yemen that it said were ready “to carry out an imminent hostile act towards Saudi Arabia”. A Huthi military official claimed that they had downed “an unmanned combat reconnaissance aircraft” in Marib province.

The U.S. State Department condemned a 3 October Huthi missile attack in Marib, and highlighted that “there is an international consensus that now is the time to end the conflict, and the Republic of Yemen Government and Saudi Arabia have committed to stop fighting and resume political talks. The Huthis are standing in the way of peace”. Washington went on to assert that “since the beginning of the year, the Huthis have intensified their attacks, both inside Yemen and against Saudi Arabia… We call on the Huthis to stop fighting and engage in UN-led talks to bring an end to this devastating war”.

The Saudi-led coalition reported downing a Huthi “explosive-laden drone” bound for Saudi Arabia.

EU High Representative Josep Borrell briefed Saudi officials “on the prospects of restarting Vienna talks about the nuclear deal with Iran”, and posited that “even if Saudi Arabia and the countries in the region are not directly sitting in the negotiation table, their concerns and their worries will be taking very much into consideration”.

Foreign Minister Prince Faisal bin Farhan confirmed that “the fourth round of talks [between Iran and Saudi Arabia] took place on 21 September”, adding: “these discussions remain in the exploratory phase. We hope they lay the foundation to address the issues between the two sides and we will work to achieve that”. U.S. Special Representative for Iran Robert Malley praised the announcement, and expressed hope that “dialogue will contribute to de-escalation of tensions and address long-standing regional concerns”. “Full, mutual return to the JCPOA would support these regional efforts”, he added.

The Saudi-led coalition reported downing a Huthi “explosive-laden drone” bound for Jizan; debris inflicted damage to a residential neighbourhood without causing any casualties. The following day, the coalition intercepted another drone aimed at Khamis Mushait.

Saudi Foreign Minister Prince Faisal bin Farhan told the UN General Assembly that “Saudi Arabia supports international efforts to ensure that Iran does not possess nuclear weapons”, while urging “the international community to assume its responsibilities toward Iran’s continuous breaches and violations of international agreements and treaties related to its nuclear agreement”.

U.S. National Security Adviser Jake Sullivan and other senior U.S. officials met with Crown Prince Mohammed bin Salman and senior Saudi counterparts. According to a Saudi readout, Sullivan emphasised “the strategic partnership between the two countries’ and the ironclad U.S. commitment to support the Kingdom’s territorial defence against all threats, including Iranian sponsored missile and drone attacks”, in addition to supporting “the Saudi goal of advancing a durable political solution and end to the Yemeni conflict”. The two further called for “intensive diplomatic engagements” and highlighted “the importance of the Huthis participating in good faith in political talks with the legitimate Yemeni Government under the auspices of the UN”.

The Saudi-led coalition reported downing a Huthi UAV bound for Khamis Mushait.

Media reports cited Iraqi officials revealing that Iranian and Saudi officials had held talks in Baghdad the previous week, with one unnamed source indicating the two sides addressed “pending issues between the two countries according to a previously agreed on roadmap, including diplomatic representation between the two countries”.

The Saudi-led coalition reported downing a Huthi “explosive drone” bound for the Kingdom.

The Saudi-led coalition reported downing “a Huthi ballistic rocket fired in the direction of the Saudi city of Najran”; Two other Huthi missiles reportedly fell short inside Yemen.

The Saudi-led coalition reported downing “a Huthi explosive drone” bound for Abha.

Iran’s diplomatic spokesperson asserted that “there has been remarkable progress in the talks over security in the Persian Gulf… talks [between Tehran and Riyadh] have never stopped  and messages have been exchanged in proper level after the new administration in Iran took office”. He further said that “if Saudi Arabia pays serious attention to Iran’s message that the solution to the region’s problems lies in the region itself and there should be an inclusive regional solution, the two countries may have a good, sustainable relationship”.

The Saudi-led coalition reported downing a Huthi ballistic missile aimed at Jizan, in addition to three armed drones bound for Saudi territory.

Secretary of State Antony Blinken and GCC ministers met and conferred on, inter alia, “work to achieve a common approach toward a durable solution to the conflict in Yemen”. Blinken emphasised that “the U.S. joins our Gulf partners in condemning the Huthi attacks on Saudi Arabia, including civilians and infrastructure”.

Secretary of State Antony Blinken and GCC ministers met and conferred on, inter alia, “pursuing diplomacy to achieve a mutual return to compliance with the JCPOA, and countering Iran’s continued aggressive behaviour in the Gulf”. The following day, U.S. Special Envoy for Iran Robert Malley met with the Saudi foreign minister.  

King Salman told the UN General Assembly that “Iran is a neighbouring country. We hope that our preliminary talks with it lead to tangible outcome to build trust, paving the way to achieve aspirations of our peoples in building relations of cooperation based on the compliance with principles and resolutions of the international legitimacy, respect for sovereignty, and avoid interfering in the internal affairs of other countries, as well as its cessation from all types of support for terrorist groups and sectarian militias”. He further indicated that his country “supports the international efforts aimed at preventing Iran from developing nuclear weapons”, while voicing “grave concern over Iranian actions which are contradictory to its commitments and pose stark contrast to what Iran always claimed that its nuclear program is intended for peaceful purposes”.

Iran’s foreign minister joined senior officials from the Gulf in an Iraqi-chaired follow-up to the Baghdad Conference on Cooperation and Partnership, and remarked that Iran had “always emphasised that we need endogenous and indigenous security arrangements to create stability and security in the region”. Amirabdollahian underscored that “foreign presence and intervention in any form are contrary to the goals of peace and security in the region… the priority of the new government of the Islamic Republic of Iran is to strengthen and develop relations with its neighbours and the region”. According to Iran’s Foreign Ministry, attendees reiterated “their support for the Iraqi government and people… and stressed the need to solve them through cooperation and mutual benefit and in accordance with the principles of international law, good neighbourliness and non-interference in the internal affairs of other countries”.

The Saudi-led coalition reported thwarting “an imminent attack” by two Huthi “booby-trapped boats off the coast of the Hodeida port in Yemen”.

The Saudi-led coalition reported downing two Huthi “booby-trapped drones” bound for Khamis Mushait.

The Saudi-led coalition reported intercepting two Huthi “booby-trapped boats” in the southern Red Sea, “thwarting an imminent attack”.

The Gulf Cooperation Council’s (GCC) ministerial council voiced hope that the Raisi administration “would play a positive role in alleviating the tension and building trust between the GCC states” and Iran, and “that the nuclear talks would tackle Iran’s destabilising role in the region and its sponsorship of terrorist and sectarian militias as well as the country’s missile program, and the safety of international navigation and oil facilities”. The council went on to condemn “Iran’s failure to meet its nuclear obligations through accelerating uranium enrichment above the level needed for peaceful purposes”, calling on “Iran to back down from this move and cooperate fully with the International Atomic Energy Agency”. Iran’s diplomatic spokesperson dismissed “any interference in its peaceful nuclear and missile programs as well as issues pertinent to its defence policies”, while contending that “the region needs a paradigm shift to rid itself of outside dependence and turn to constructive inter-regional interaction and go for inclusion rather than exclusion”.

The Saudi-led coalition reported downing “four Huthi explosives-laden drones and a ballistic rocket” bound for Jizan. 

The Saudi-led coalition reported downing a Huthi “explosive drone” launched towards Abha International Airport.

Referring to an IAEA report on Iran’s safeguards commitments, the Saudi representative to the Agency contended that “unless its belligerent intentions are firmly contained, Tehran’s recklessness risks proliferation in the region… The entire safeguards system is at stake. Only firm positions taken by the Board of Governors can save it”. “Because Iran has repeatedly lacked transparency and procrastinated in cooperating with the IAEA, the world at large lacks the necessary assurances regarding its nuclear program”, he added, urging “Iran to fully comply with its Safeguards Agreement obligations”.

The Saudi-led coalition reported downing a Huthi drone bound for Khamis Mushait.

The Saudi-led coalition reported downing “a Huthi explosive drone” bound for Khamis Mushait.

In response to media reports on the U.S. having withdrawn some Patriot missile batteries from Saudi Arabia, a Pentagon’s spokesperson confirmed “the redeployment of certain air defence assets”, while noting that “the Defense Department continues to maintain tens of thousands of forces and a robust force posture in the Middle East representing some of our most advanced air power and maritime capabilities, in support of U.S. national interests and our regional partnerships”. The Saudi government asserted that “the redeployment of some [U.S.] defence capabilities… is carried out through common understanding and realignment of defence strategies as an attribute of operational deployment and disposition”.

The Saudi-led coalition reported downing three Huthi “explosive drones” bound for Khamis Mushait.

The Saudi foreign minister chaired a session of the Arab Ministerial Quartet Committee that discussed, inter alia, “strengthening joint coordination to stop Iranian interference in the region and its financing of the Huthi militia in Yemen and other terrorist groups”, as well as “the importance of imposing the mechanisms for a rapid and comprehensive inspection of all Iranian nuclear sites”. Iran’s diplomatic spokesperson dismissed what he described as “absurd accusations” by the grouping of Saudi Arabia, Bahrain, the UAE and Egypt.

The Saudi Defence Ministry reported downing “three ballistic missiles and three bomb-laden drones” fired by the Huthis at Saudi territory; debris injured two and caused damage to a residential neighbourhood. The same day, the Saudi-led coalition intercepted a Huthi “explosive-laden drone” aimed at Khamis Mushait. A Huthi military spokesperson claimed that they had successfully targeted multiple Saudi energy and military facilities with six ballistic missiles and ten drones. The U.S. State Department described the Huthi attack as “completely unacceptable”, and urged “the Huthis to agree to a comprehensive ceasefire immediately and to stop these cross-border attacks and attacks inside of Yemen”.

Secretary of State Antony Blinken spoke with his Saudi counterpart and discussed “regional issues, including concern over the Huthis’ latest attack on the Saudi city of Abha”. He further voiced “the U.S.’s strong commitment to its longstanding strategic partnership with the Kingdom of Saudi Arabia and to helping Saudi Arabia defend its people and territory”.

The Saudi-led coalition reported downing three Huthi explosive drones inside Yemeni territory; another UAV bound for Khamis Mushait was intercepted the following day.

Iran’s ambassador to Iraq confirmed that “through the cooperation of the Iraqi government, we held three rounds of talks with Saudi Arabia in Baghdad, and the fourth round will be held following the formation of the new Iranian government”.

The Saudi-led coalition reported downing a Huthi ballistic missile bound for Jizan.

Iran’s diplomatic spokesperson indicated that “we did not see any new talks” between Saudi Arabia and Iran during a regional summit in Baghdad, while insisting that “Iran spares no efforts in friendship with Riyadh”. “Tehran and Riyadh share many commonalties for achieving peace and stability in the region”, he added. “There are no unresolvable obstacles between the two countries. Resolving the issues only requires the political will and action of Riyadh and Tehran”.

The Saudi-led coalition reported downing three explosive drones bound for Khamis Mushait.

The Saudi-led coalition reported downing a Huthi UAV bound for Khamis Mushait.

The Saudi-led coalition reported downing a Huthi “booby-trapped drone” bound for Khamis Mushait.

The Saudi-led coalition reported downing a Huthi “explosive drone” bound for Khamis Mushait.

The Saudi-led coalition reported downing a Huthi explosive drone bound for Saudi Arabia inside the Yemeni airspace.

The Saudi-led coalition reported downing a Huthi ballistic missile bound for Najran.

The Saudi-led coalition reported downing a Huthi drone bound for Khamis Mushait.

An Israeli minister indicated “when it comes to Saudi Arabia and the Gulf states, there’s direct communication and understandings” on Iran.

The Saudi-led coalition reported downing two Huthi “explosive drones” bound for Khamis Mushait.

Iran’s diplomatic spokesperson maintained: “Not all differences need to be resolved, but we think that if Saudi Arabia heeds Iran’s message - that our region is a region where a comprehensive solution can be reached with the cooperation of the countries of the region - we can reach a conclusion”. He further contended that “the sooner the Saudi government shows its commitment to political solutions and ends this devastating war [in Yemen], the better for both this country and the region, and the peace and security of the region”.

Saudi Foreign Minister Prince Faisal bin Farhan contended that “all around the region, Iran continues to be emboldened… Iran is extremely active in the region with its negative activity, whether it's continuing to supply the Huthis with weapons or endangering shipping in the Arabian Gulf”. He further noted that “we certainly support a deal with Iran as long as that deal ensures that Iran will not now or ever gain access to nuclear weapons technology”. Farhan went on to highlight the importance of Iran “engaging in the region as a state actor in a normal way... not supporting militias, not sending weapons to armed groups, and most importantly, giving up a nuclear program which might be used... to develop nuclear weapons”.

The Saudi-led coalition reported foiling a drone attack against a Saudi commercial vessel.

U.S. Special Representative for Yemen Tim Lenderking met with senior Saudi and Yemeni officials and raised “concern that the Huthis continue to refuse to engage meaningfully on a ceasefire and political talks”.

The Saudi-led coalition reported downing a Huthi drone bound for Saudi territory.

The Saudi-led coalition reported downing two Huthi drones and three ballistic missiles bound for Jizan.

The Secretary-General of Gulf Cooperation Council (GCC) was cited as saying that “Iran’s support for militias in the region should be included in ongoing talks in Vienna and the meetings should not be limited to only reviving the nuclear deal… Iran’s interference in the internal affairs of other countries poses a threat to the region and is a matter of concern”.

The Saudi-led coalition reported downing four Huthi drones and a ballistic missile bound for Saudi territory. The U.S. State Department subsequently “condemn[ed] the Huthi attacks on Saudi Arabia following the calm over Eid al-Adha”, and said “the Huthis must stop their destabilising actions and commit to an immediate, comprehensive ceasefire to help end the Yemen war”.

Iran’s government spokesperson maintained that “regional negotiations are a constant necessity… We look at the negotiations with Saudi Arabia in a positive light”. He further indicated that “bilateral talks between Iran and Saudi Arabia is [sic] continuing through appropriate channels. We are committed to continuing consultations to resolve all disputes between the two countries, and if there is a need to raise the level of dialogue and it is agreed, we have no restrictions”.

In a joint statement, Saudi Arabia and Oman noted “the importance of cooperation and dealing in a serious and effective manner with the Iranian nuclear and missile issue with all its components in a way that contributes to realising regional and international security and stability, urging the need to commit to good neighbourly principles and respecting UN… resolutions, and sparing the region all activities that undermine stability”.  

Referring to Iran starting enriched uranium metal production, Saudi Arabia’s IAEA envoy asserted that “this approach negatively affects any negotiations related to the nuclear agreement as the knowledge gained from research and development work cannot be reversed”. He went on to contend that “the escalatory steps announced by Iran do not match with its statements about the peacefulness of its nuclear program and confirm its intentions and pursuit of the capabilities to produce a nuclear weapon”. Iran’s envoy in Vienna riposted that Saudi Arabia was not providing the IAEA “with even minimum necessary verification authorities”. 

Iran’s government spokesperson indicated that “some progress has been made” in talks with Saudi Arabia, adding that “in some cases, disputes may have complexities that take time to resolve”. He went to assert that “we are always ready to continue this dialogue seriously, relying on mutual goodwill and securing the interests and concerns of both sides”.

Saudi Arabia’s deputy defence minister met U.S. National Security Advisor Jake Sullivan in Washington and discussed, inter alia, “the U.S. commitment to help Saudi Arabia defend its territory as it faces attacks from Iranian-aligned groups”. He also spoke with a senior defence official about “efforts to end the war in Yemen and the shared U.S.-Saudi commitment to counter Iran’s destabilising activities”; the Pentagon official “noted the need to work together on addressing the proliferation and dangers of Unmanned Aerial Vehicles”. The next day the Saudi deputy defence minister met with Secretary of State Blinken and other senior U.S. diplomats.

The Saudi-led coalition reported disrupting what it described as “an imminent attack” the Huthis intended to launch off the Yemeni coast “using two booby-trapped boats”.

A cargo vessel travelling from Saudi Arabia to the UAE was reportedly “attacked in the Indian Ocean”; the Tyndall did not suffer major damage and unnamed Israeli officials assessed that the ship had been targeted by Iran.