Saudi Arabia’s foreign minister urged “the international community to put an end to Iran’s violations and threats to the region”, and contended that “the countries most affected by Iran’s threats must be a party to any future agreement”. “Iranian regime’s support for militias across the region as well as its nuclear activities and ballistic missiles pose a threat to the security and stability of Arab countries and the region”, he added.

The Saudi-led coalition reported downing a Huthi “bomb-laden UAV”.

The Saudi-led coalition reported downing multiple Huthi “bomb-laden UAV[s]” bound for Saudi Arabia. The same day, U.S. Secretary of State Anthony Blinken urged “the Huthis to immediately cease attacks impacting civilian areas inside Saudi Arabia and to halt any new military offensives inside Yemen”. He further called on them “to refrain from destabilising actions and demonstrate their commitment to constructively engage in UN Special Envoy Griffiths’ efforts to achieve peace”.

A U.S. State Department official confirmed that the administration had “formally notified Congress of the Secretary’s intent to revoke” Huthi terrorism designations. “This decision has nothing to do with our view of the Huthis and their reprehensible conduct, including attacks against civilians and the kidnapping of American citizens”, the official added. “We are committed to helping Saudi Arabia defend its territory against further such attacks. Our action is due entirely to the humanitarian consequences”.

Secretary of State Antony Blinken conferred with his Saudi counterpart on “regional security, counterterrorism and cooperation to deter and defend against attacks on the Kingdom”. Blinken also raised “several key priorities of the new administration including elevating human rights issues and ending the war in Yemen”.

President Joe Biden announced that “we are ending all American support for offensive operations in the war in Yemen including relevant arms sales… At the same time, Saudi Arabia faces missile attacks and UAV strikes and other threats from Iranian supplied forces in multiple countries. We are going to continue to help Saudi Arabia defend its sovereignty and its territorial integrity and its people”. National Security Advisor Jake Sullivan separately noted that the U.S. decision “does not extend to actions against AQAP… it extends to the types of offensive operations that have perpetuated a civil war in Yemen that has led to a humanitarian crisis”. Saudi Foreign Minister Prince bin Farhan hailed “the U.S.’s commitment… to cooperate with the Kingdom in defending its security and territory”, adding: “We look forward to working with [the newly-appointed U.S. Special Envoy for Yemen] Tim Lenderking to achieve our joint goal of a comprehensive political resolution in Yemen as part of our shared vision for a peaceful and prosperous region”.

The Saudi-led coalition reported downing a Huthi “bomb-laden UAV in Yemeni airspace”, which was bound for Saudi Arabia.

Addressing Iran’s neighbours, Foreign Minister Javad Zarif remarked that “we have an opportunity to rethink regional security”, adding: “We know that security cannot be bought or established by stockpiling weapons. The only way to establish security and peace is extensive cooperation between the countries of the region, and Iran has always stated its readiness to promote cooperation”.

Secretary of State Anthony Blinken noted that “the Huthis committed an act of significant act of aggression in taking over Sanaa… committing acts of aggression against our partner, Saudi Arabia, committing human rights abuses and other atrocities, creating an environment in which we’ve seen extremist groups fill some of the vacuums that were created”. He also noted that “we’ve seen a campaign led by Saudi Arabia that has also contributed to what is by many estimates the worst humanitarian crisis in the world today... it’s vitally important, even in the midst of this crisis, that we do everything we can to get humanitarian assistance to the people of Yemen who are in desperate need”.

The Saudi-led coalition reported downing a Huthi “hostile air target going toward Riyadh”. A Huthi military spokesperson denied any involvement in the incident. The U.S. State Department denounced the attack, noting that “it appears to have been an attempt to target civilians”. It further maintained: “As we work to de-escalate tensions in the region through principled diplomacy, including by bringing an end to the war in Yemen, we will also help our partner Saudi Arabia defend against attacks on its territory and hold those who attempt to undermine stability to account”.

Saudi Foreign Minister Prince bin Farhan indicated that discussions between Saudi Arabia and the Biden administration addressing Iran and the JCPOA “will be around reaching a solid and strong agreement that takes into account Iran’s failure to comply... with strong monitoring factors to ensure the implementation of the agreement”.

Foreign Minister Javad Zarif maintained that Iran would “respond positively to any initiative for regional dialogue advanced in good faith”. He also contended that “neither the U.S. nor its European allies have the prerogative to lead or sponsor future talks. Rather, the Persian Gulf region needs an inclusive regional mechanism to encourage diplomacy and cooperation and to lower the risk of miscalculation and conflict”. He further referred to Iran’s Hormuz Peace Endeavor (HOPE) proposal and said: “The invitation is still on the table”.

The Saudi-led coalition reported intercepting a Huthi “explosive-laden” boat, and separately downing an armed drone bound for Saudi Arabia.

Foreign Minister Javad Zarif hailed the Qatari foreign minister’s “call for inclusive dialogue” between Iran and GCC states, adding: “the solution to our challenges lies in collaboration to jointly form a ‘strong region’: peaceful, stable, prosperous and free from global or regional hegemony”.

The Saudi-led coalition reported downing three Huthi “bomb-laden UAVs” bound for Saudi Arabia.

During a visit to Moscow, Saudi Foreign Minister Prince Bin Farhan stressed “the importance of confronting the continuous Iranian interference and the successive attacks on the security and stability of the region”. He also accused Iranian allies in Syria and Yemen of “obstructing peace efforts”.

U.S. Secretary of State Mike Pompeo announced his “intent to designate Ansarallah – sometimes referred to as the Huthis – as a Foreign Terrorist Organisation (FTO)… and as a Specially Designated Global Terrorist (SDGT) entity”. “I also intend to designate three of Ansarallah’s leaders… as SDGTs”, he added. Describing the Huthis as “a deadly Iran-backed militia group”, Pompeo maintained that “the designations are intended to hold Ansarallah accountable for its terrorist acts… [and] advance efforts to achieve a peaceful, sovereign and united Yemen that is both free from Iranian interference and at peace with its neighbours”. He further urged Iran “to stop smuggling weapons to Ansarallah in violation of UN Security Council resolutions and to stop enabling Ansarallah’s aggressive acts against Yemen and towards its neighbours, including Saudi Arabia”. Saudi Arabia welcomed the decision, while Iran called it an impediment to “a political solution and peace talks”.

The GCC Supreme Council issued a communique condemning various aspects of Iran’s regional behaviour, missile program and nuclear activities. The Council also highlighted, inter alia, “the importance of building confidence between the GCC and Iran” and contended that “any negotiation process with Iran should include Iran’s destabilising behavior in the region, the Iranian missile program, including ballistic and cruise missiles and drones, and the Iranian nuclear program, stressing the need for the GCC member states to participate in future international negotiations concerning the Iranian nuclear program”. Iran’s diplomatic spokesperson deplored “the baseless accusations” and said: “The regional policy pursued by Saudi Arabia and its destructive approach towards Iran and other countries have turned the region into a weapons depot for Western companies which has led to more foreign interference in the region. “Iran does not tolerate any interference in its nuclear and missile program and matters related to its military and defence policies”, he added.

The GCC Supreme Council denounced “the Iranian existence in the Syrian territories and Iran’s interference in the Syrian affairs, demanding to expel all Iranian forces, Hizbollah militias and all sectarian militias that Iran recruited to work in Syria”.

A Huthi military spokesperson reported downing a Saudi- drone over Yemeni airspace.

Referring to the “Al-Ula Declaration”, based on which Qatar and four Arab states reestablished diplomatic ties, Foreign Minister Javad Zarif hailed Qatar “for the success of its brave resistance to pressure and extortion” and addressed “our other Arab neighbours” by saying: “Iran is neither an enemy nor threat. Enough scapegoating – especially with your reckless patron [ie, President Trump] on his way out”. “[It’s] time to take our offer for a strong region”, he added. The same day, Saudi Crown Prince Bin Salman told the Gulf Cooperation Council (GCC) summit that “we are in utmost need to unite our efforts to advance our region and confront the challenges that surround us, particularly the threats posed by the Iranian regime’s nuclear program, its ballistic missile program, its destructive sabotage projects as well as its terrorist and sectarian activities”. He further urged “the international community to work seriously in order to stop these programs and projects that threaten regional and international peace and security”.

Iran’s diplomatic spokesperson remarked that “Saudi Arabia is an important country in the region. If the rulers of Al-Saud return from their wrong path, it is possible to restore the good relations of the past”. Relatedly, Iran’s ambassador to Kuwait said with respect to Iran-Saudi relations that “within the framework of joint cooperation, bilateral problems and regional crises can be resolved… we have repeatedly expressed our readiness to discuss the allegations and all disputed issues at the negotiating table”.

The U.S. State Department notified Congress that it had approved “a possible Foreign Military Sale to the Kingdom of Saudi Arabia of GBU-39 Small Diameter Bomb I (SDB I) Munitions and related equipment for an estimated cost of $290 million”.

The Saudi-led coalition reported that an explosion it said was caused by a Huthi naval mine had “hit a commercial cargo ship in the southern Red Sea”, adding that such activities by the Huthis “in the southern Red Sea and Bab al-Mandab Strait has been increasing… [posing] a serious threat to international shipping”. The following day, the coalition announced that the Huthis had launched a ballistic missile which “fell short in Yemeni territory”.

Bahrain’s U.S. ambassador, commenting on a potential U.S. return to the JCPOA, maintained that “it is important for us to be a part of the conversation, because it is us [in the region] who have a front row seat to any development, and it is us who will have to endure all the consequences”. Relatedly, Israel’s envoy in Washington argued that “if you go back to JCPOA 1.0 in hopes that you will negotiate and get 2.0 it’s never going to happen. You’re giving up all your leverage”. The UAE’s ambassador also maintained that “America should maintain strong relations with all its partners in Europe and the Middle East and show up with both groups at the negotiating table”. Iran’s UN mission subsequently emphasised that Tehran “will not renegotiate an accord already agreed to”, while asserting: “We are ready to negotiate regional issues, but only with neighbours and countries in the region… Iran does not believe that there is any need for foreign powers’ presence at that dialogue”.

A Huthi military spokesperson reported the downing of a Saudi drone.

The Saudi-led coalition announced that “it had discovered and destroyed a marine mine planted by the Huthi militia in the southern Red Sea”, claiming that “the mine… was Iranian-made”. The coalition also reported that three Huthi projectiles had landed in Jizan.

The chairman of the U.S. Joint Chiefs of Staff, Mark Milley, met with his Saudi counterpart in Riyadh to discuss “the current security environment throughout the Middle East”. “The U.S. and Saudi Arabia share a long-standing partnership and are committed to peace and security in the Middle East region”, a U.S. readout noted.

The Saudi-led coalition reported that a ballistic missile launched by the Huthis had landed in Yemeni territory.

The Saudi-led coalition announced that it had downed a Huthi “explosives-laden drone” heading toward Saudi Arabia. The following day, the coalition reported that a Huthi “military projectile” had landed inside Jizan.

A shipping company reported that one of its Singapore-flagged tankers, the BW Rhine, had “been hit from an external source whilst discharging at Jeddah”. Saudi Arabia’s energy ministry indicated that “an explosive-laden boat” had been used in the incident, and a spokesperson asserted that “these acts of terrorism and vandalism, directed against vital installations, go beyond the Kingdom and its vital facilities to the security of energy supplies to the world and global economy”. Iran’s diplomatic spokesperson subsequently condemned “any destructive action against maritime security and freedom of international trade” and “expressed hope that countries in the region would increase their efforts to strengthen cooperation on maritime security, combating pirates and countering the trade in banned substances”.

Secretary of State Mike Pompeo conferred with his Saudi counterpart on, inter alia, “the efforts to overcome divisions between Gulf countries needed to deter Iran’s aggressive acts in the region and the mutual determination to achieve an inclusive political solution to the conflict in Yemen”. 

The Saudi-led coalition announced that it had intercepted and destroyed “an attempt by the terrorist Huthi militia to carry out a hostile, terrorist act in Southern Red Sea using two bomb-laden Unmanned Surface Vehicles (USVs)”.

The U.S. Special Representative for Iran, Elliott Abrams, posited that “no one has benefited from the rift in the Gulf Cooperation Council (GCC) except Iran… If Qatari planes cannot overfly Saudi Arabia and instead have to overfly Iran on international flights, every single one of those brings a big fee to Iran, and we know what they do with any revenue they have. A good decent amount goes to their military and then to the IRGC [Islamic Revolutionary Guard Corps]”. “We have thought, now under two administrations, that ending that rift would be a desirable thing”, he added. “We would like to see more unity among the GCC countries, recognising and pushing back against any forms of Iranian conduct”.

The Saudi-led coalition announced that it had “destroyed… a bomb-laden UAV” launched by the Huthis towards Saudi Arabia.

The Saudi-led coalition reported downing “an explosive-laden drone launched towards the kingdom by Yemen’s Huthi group”.

Saudi Foreign Minister Faisal bin Farhan reiterated that “what we expect is that we are fully consulted, that we and our regional friends are fully consulted vis-a-vis the negotiations with Iran”, adding that “we’ve seen as a result of the after-effects of the JCPOA that not involving regional countries results in a build-up of mistrust and neglect of the issues of real concern and of real effect on regional security”. He further opined that “one may look to a JCPOA-plus-plus… because reviving the JCPOA as it exists now will only bring us to the point where we were, which is a deficient agreement that doesn’t address the full issues”. Iran’s diplomatic spokesperson subsequently asserted with reference to Saudi Arabia and Bahrain that “these countries…  should know their limits and speak to that extent”.

Saudi Foreign Minister Faisal bin Farhan insisted that “the main source of that instability is Iran and Iran’s continuing activity in the region and its continuing focus on exporting its revolution on making sure that it continues to be able to manipulate governments in various countries”. He further noted that “we will be open to real dialogue in the future that addresses significant issues of concern”, while asserting that with Iran’s “attempts to impose its will by force on other states, we are not going to have progress”.

The Saudi-led coalition reported downing a “bomb-laden UAV” launched by the Huthis towards Saudi Arabia.

The U.S. Defense Security Cooperation Agency announced the State Department’s approval of “a possible Foreign Military Sale to the Kingdom of Saudi Arabia… to include technical assistance and advisory support to the Kingdom of Saudi Arabia’s Ministry of Defence (MOD) for an additional five years… for an estimated cost of $350 million”. 

Foreign Minister Javad Zarif contended that U.S. Secretary of State Mike “Pompeo’s hurried trips to the region, the trilateral meeting in Saudi Arabia and Netanyahu’s statements all point to this conspiracy that unfortunately emerged in Friday’s [27 November] cowardly terrorist act and the martyrdom of one of the country’s top executives”. A senior Saudi official subsequently maintained that “Zarif is desperate to blame the Kingdom for anything negative that happens in Iran… It is not the policy of Saudi Arabia to engage in assassinations; unlike Iran, which has done so since the Khomeini Revolution in 1979”. Relatedly, Saudi Arabia’s UN envoy maintained that “the loss of a Muslim scientist is a loss to the entire Muslim Umma (world)”, emphasising that “emotional and spontaneous reactions won't bring positive outcomes”.

The Saudi-led coalition reported that a ballistic missile launched by the Huthis had landed inside Yemen. A Huthi military spokesperson claimed that the “missile hit accurately the aggression’s joint operations room [in Marib governorate]… [and] killed eight Saudi soldiers and commanders”. 

The Saudi-led coalition announced that it had “destroyed two mines laid by Yemen’s Iran-backed Huthi militia in the south of the Red Sea”.

The Saudi-led coalition reported that “it had destroyed an explosives-laden boat and foiled [an] attack in the southern Red Sea”; the owners of the tanker MT Agrari indicated the “vessel was attacked by an unknown source… [and] suffered a breach”.

The Saudi-led coalition reported that “it had destroyed five naval mines planted by the Iranian-backed Huthi militia in the southern Red Sea. The naval mines were Iranian-made”.

A Huthi military spokesperson reported that a Huthi missile had successfully “targeted Aramco's distribution station in the Saudi city of Jeddah”, asserting that “this operation comes in response to the continued siege and aggression against Yemen”. He further “advised citizens and foreign companies operating in Saudi Arabia to stay away from vital installations”. The Saudi Ministry of Energy subsequently confirmed that “an explosion took place as a result of a terrorist attack by a projectile, causing a fire in the fuel tank at the petroleum products distribution terminal in the north of Jeddah”. The Saudi-led coalition’s spokesperson asserted that the Huthis had “been positively identified as the culprits, which did not target the Kingdom’s national assets but the core of global economy and supply routes, as well as the security of global energy”. The following day, the Saudi ambassador to the UN called on the Security Council to “shoulder its responsibility and to stop the threat of this militia to the global energy security, [to] the UN political process in Yemen and to regional security”.

Saudi Foreign Minister Faisal bin Farhan remarked with respect to Iran: “I like to call what we see in future as JCPOA++ - something that addresses the nuclear program, which is critically important of course, but also that addresses the regional malign activity including the arming of militias… and of course its ballistic missile programs and other arms programs”. “The issue with Iran is the fact that it continues to believe in imposing its will in the region on exporting its revolution to its neighbours and beyond, and we need to address that”, he argued. In related remarks, Saudi Arabia’s UN ambassador asserted that “the Iran nuclear deal has proven its failure to the entire world. And I don’t think that anybody is going to be naïve enough to go back to the same deal”.

Secretary of State Mike Pompeo met with Saudi Crown Prince Mohammed bin Salman and discussed, inter alia, “the need for Gulf unity to counter Iran’s aggressive behaviour in the region and the need to achieve a political solution to the conflict in Yemen”. The following day, Saudi Foreign Minister Faisal bin Farhan denied media reports regarding a visit by Israeli Prime Minister Netanyahu to Saudi Arabia to meet with the U.S. and Saudi sides.

The Saudi-led coalition announced the interception of a Huthi “bomb-laden UAV” launched towards Saudi Arabia.

A senior Saudi official was cited as saying that Riyadh “reserves the right to arm itself with nuclear weapons if regional rival Iran cannot be stopped from making one”. “Saudi Arabia has made it very clear, that it will do everything it can to protect its people and to protect its territories”, he said, while arguing that “the Iranians have only responded to pressure”.

The Saudi-led coalition announced that it had downed “a bomb-laden UAV” launched by the Huthis towards Saudi Arabia.

Iran’s Intelligence Ministry announced the arrest of the leader of ASMLA (Arab Struggle Movement for the Liberation of al-Ahwaz), what it described as a “terrorist group… directly supported by the Saudi intelligence services and the Zionist regime [ie, Israel] [that] has been managing terrorist operations in Iran”. On 18 November, the ministry released what it described as “some documents and correspondence of the ASMLA with the Saudi intelligence agencies”.

The Saudi-led coalition reported downing multiple Huthi “explosive-laden drones launched towards Saudi Arabia”.

Saudi King Salman remarked that “the Kingdom affirms the danger of the regional project by the Iranian regime, and we reject its interference in internal affairs [of other counties] and its support for terrorism, extremism and sectarianism”. He further urged “the international community to take a strong position against Iran to ensure it does not obtain weapons of mass destruction and develop its ballistic missile project”.

On a visit to Riyadh, the U.S. Special Representative for Iran, Elliott Abrams, “met with Saudi and Yemeni government officials to discuss joint efforts to counter Iran’s aggressive and malign policies in the region, emphasising that Iran’s destabilising actions put U.S. partners and the entire region at risk”. According to the State Department, Abrams “noted that Iran’s provision of lethal aid to the Huthis prolongs the conflict in Yemen and intensifies its humanitarian crisis, and he condemned indiscriminate Huthi attacks against Saudi cities and civilian infrastructure”.

A Huthi military spokesman urged “all foreign companies operating in Saudi Arabia, as well as our brothers inside Hijaz and Najd residents in all Saudi regions, to stay away from vital military and economic installations from being targeted by the Yemeni army”. The same day, the Saudi-led coalition announced that it had destroyed “two bomb-laden Unmanned Surface Vehicles (USVs)” and intercepted “a bomb-laden UAV” all launched by the Huthis. A Saudi energy official subsequently confirmed that the former operation “occurred in close proximity to a floating offloading platform that belongs to the Jizan oil products terminal [and] resulted in a limited fire on the platform’s floating hoses”. 

The Saudi-led coalition reported that it had downed “two explosive-laden drones” launched by the Huthis towards Saudi Arabia. 

With Joe Biden projected as winner of the U.S. 2020 presidential election, President Rouhani remarked that “now is the time for the next administration of the U.S. to make up for past mistakes and return to the path of adherence to international obligations and respecting global regulations… Iran has always adhered to its obligations if all other parties do so in a responsible manner, and we consider constructive interaction with the world as our strategy”. Rouhani also urged “the promotion of security and development in the region in the shadow of cooperation and synergy between Iran and its neighbours, and to follow the path of stability and economic growth of the country”. Relatedly, Foreign Minister Javad Zarif tweeted: “A sincere message to our neighbours: Trump’s gone in 70 days but we’ll remain here forever. Betting on outsiders to provide security is never a good gamble. We extend our hand to our neighbours for dialog to resolve differences”.

The Saudi-led coalition reported downing a Huthi “bomb-laden UAV” launched towards Saudi Arabia.

A senior Saudi official described the “causes of tension in the region” as “the Iranian regime’s violations of international treaties and conventions as well as its insistence on interfering in the internal affairs of the countries in the region”.

The Saudi-led coalition reported that it had downed six “bomb-laden UAVs” towards Saudi Arabia and two ballistic missiles bound for Jizan and Najran all launched by the Huthis. The U.S. embassy in Riyadh issued an alert indicating that it was “tracking reports of possible missiles or drones that may be headed toward Riyadh”, which was subsequently revised to recommend “increased caution in Saudi Arabia due to terrorism and the threat of missile and drone attacks on civilian targets”. The following day, Secretary of State Mike Pompeo denounced the attacks and argued that “this irresponsible escalation coincides with the Houthis’ declared desire to strengthen their ties with Iran… the Houthis are not serious about seeking a political solution in order to bring peace to Yemen”. Pompeo further urged “Iran to stop smuggling weapons to the Huthis in violation of UN Security Council resolutions and to stop enabling the Huthis’ aggressive acts against Yemen and towards its neighbors, including Saudi Arabia”.

The Saudi-led coalition announced that it had downed a Huthi “bomb-laden UAV” launched towards Saudi Arabia. A Huthi military spokesperson reported that “the operation targeted an important target at Abha International Airport”.

The Saudi-led coalition reported that it had downed multiple “bomb-laden UAV[s]” launched by the Huthis towards the Kingdom. A Huthi military spokesperson claimed that Huthi drones had “hit accurately an important military target” at Abha International Airport.

The Saudi-led coalition announced that it had intercepted multiple “bomb-laden UAV[s]” launched by the Huthis towards Saudi Arabia over consecutive days. A Huthi military spokesperson reported that Huthi drones had been used against “Jizan and Abha airports and Khamis Mushait military base”.

The Saudi-led coalition reported that it had downed two Huthi launched “bomb-laden UAV[s]” targeting Saudi Arabia.

The Saudi-led coalition reported that the Huthis had “launched a ballistic missile from Sanaa governorate… using civilian objects as a launch site”. “The missile fell short” and landed in Saada governorate, the report added.

The Saudi-led coalition and the Huthis concluded a two-day prisoner swap releasing more than 1000 individuals as part of a UN-brokered deal.

Following a meeting with his U.S. counterpart, Saudi Foreign Minister Prince Faisal bin Farhan contended that “the Iranian regime continues to provide financial and material support to terrorist groups, including in Yemen where the Huthis have launched more than 300 Iranian-made ballistic missiles and drones towards the Kingdom. Their development of their nuclear program, ballistic missiles and their malign activities represent a grave danger to the region and the world”.  He further asserted that Saudi Arabia and the U.S. “are both committed to counter and deter Iran’s destabilising behaviour”.

U.S. National Security Advisor Robert O’Brien confirmed the release of two “U.S. citizens… from Huthi custody in Yemen”; in parallel, Omani state media and Huthi officials reported that more than 200 Huthis had been returned to Saana.

The U.S. and Saudi Arabia held a strategic dialogue and reiterated “bilateral commitments to counter Iran’s threats to regional security and prosperity, seek a political solution to end the conflict in Yemen and enhance maritime and border security”. Speaking alongside his Saudi counterpart, Secretary of State Mike Pompeo asserted that “it’s no secret that Iran’s destabilising behaviour threatens Saudi Arabia’s security and disrupts global commerce. That’s clear from Iran’s ballistic missile attacks on Saudi oil facilities in the fall of last year, and the frequent, ongoing Huthi bombardment of Saudi territory using rockets, drones and other lethal technology supplied by the regime in Tehran”. In separate remarks, Pompeo underscored that “we are doing everything we can to make sure that the Islamic Republic of Iran has fewer resources with which to underwrite the Huthis… Our pressure campaign in Iran has been enormously successful at denying them the resources for terror”.

The Saudi-led coalition reported that it had “destroyed a ballistic missile” the Huthis “had been planning to launch towards Saudi Arabia”.

The Saudi-led coalition reported that it had downed two Huthi-launched “bomb-laden UAV[s]” towards Saudi Arabia; another was intercepted the following day.

The Saudi-led coalition reported that it had downed a Huthi “bomb-laden UAV in Yemeni airspace”, intended to “target civilians and civilian objects in the Kingdom”.

The Saudi-led coalition reported that it had downed a Huthi “bomb-laden UAV… target[ing] civilians and civilian objects in Najran”.

The Saudi-led coalition announced that it had thwarted an “imminent terrorist attack” by “a remotely-controlled explosive-laden Houthi boat” close to a Yemeni port.

Saudi security forces announced that they had “thwarted a terrorist cell… whose elements received a military and field training on how to make explosives, at the Revolutionary Guard’s [IRGC] sites in Iran”. According to the Presidency of State Security, ten arrests were made and various weapons confiscated. Iran’s diplomatic spokesperson insisted that “Saudi rulers have fabricated a false case against Iran as a ploy to deflect public attention in order to cover up their own failed moves… We recommend Saudi Arabia opt for the path of honesty and wisdom rather than playing out worthless and dictated scenarios”.

The UN announced that “delegates representing the Government of Yemen and Ansar Allah have agreed to immediately release a first group of 1,081 conflict-related detainees and prisoners”, including fifteen Saudi nationals. The Iranian Foreign Ministry hailed the agreement and considered it a sign that “Yemeni-Yemeni dialogue is the only solution to the country’s current problems”.

The Saudi-led coalition reported that it had downed “in Yemeni airspace a bomb-laden UAV” launched by the Huthis towards Saudi Arabia.

Israeli Intelligence Minister Eli Cohen contended that Gulf countries “understand that the threat is not Israel; it’s Iran”. “Iran never gave up from trying to achieve a nuclear weapon… Iran is the number one financier of terror. The places where Iran is involved are suffering”, he added. Relatedly, a senior U.S. diplomat remarked that the U.S. “has laid out a two-track opportunity in the region”. “You can follow the one that we laid out last Tuesday with Israel, the United Arab Emirates and the Kingdom of Bahrain… Or you can follow the path of Iran – state-sponsored terrorism and proxy wars and militias and Hizbollah and Hamas. And I think there’s a real coalition that’s building together to say, ‘We’ve seen both sides, and we prefer the former rather than the latter’”, he added.

Foreign Minister Javad Zarif remarked that “Iran’s relations with neighbouring countries are based on mutual respect… However, unfortunately, there are some states in the southern section of the Persian Gulf, such as the UAE, KSA and Bahrain, who do not wish to establish durable relations with Iran”. “Their relations with Israel are certainly not a strong point in our relations, but they will not impede our relations with them either”, Zarif added.

King Salman told the UN General Assembly that “our experience with the Iranian regime has taught us that partial solutions and appeasement did not stop its threats to international peace and security. A comprehensive solution and a firm international position are required to ensure fundamental solutions to the Iranian regime’s attempt to obtain weapons of mass destruction, and its ballistic missile program, and its interference in the internal affairs of other countries, and its sponsorship of terrorism”. On Yemen, he maintained that Tehran “interfered… by supporting the coup carried out by its surrogate, the Huthi militia”, adding: “the Kingdom will not hesitate to defend its national security, nor will it abandon the fraternal people of Yemen until they regain their complete sovereignty and independence from Iranian hegemony”. Iran’s diplomatic spokesperson subsequently noted: “Saudi Arabia has, for years, been pursuing a blame-game policy and seeking to distort realities in order to escape the realities and not to be held accountable for its crimes”. He further highlighted Iran’s “fundamental policy of boosting diplomatic and dialogue-oriented talks in the region and the promotion of relations with all neighbours”.

The U.S. State Department underscored that Washington “remains deeply concerned by the Huthis’ aggression, supported by Iranian weapons shipments in violation of UN arms embargoes”, and urged “the Huthis to immediately cease their cross-border attacks against Saudi Arabia”. 

An Iranian military spokesperson confirmed that “we provided… [Yemenis] with the experiences in technology in the defence sphere, as they have learned how to produce missiles, drones and weapons in Yemen by themselves”. “The resistance front countries have armies and forces themselves. We provide them with advisory help. In order to share our experiences with the people of Syria, Iraq, Lebanon and Yemen, our experienced forces go there and give them intellectual assistance, but this is the people and armies of those countries who stand against the enemies in practice”, he added.

A Saudi official reported receiving “a report about the fall of a military projectile launched by the Iranian-backed Huthi militia from inside Yemeni territory”, which injured five civilians in Jizan.

The Saudi-led coalition announced that it had “intercepted and destroyed... a bomb-laden UAV” launched by the Huthis in the direction of Khamis Mushait. 

The Saudi-led coalition announced that it had downed “a number of ballistic missiles and bomb-laden UAVs” launched by the Huthis toward Saudi Arabia, and accused the Huthis of “deliberately escalating the hostile, terrorist targeting of civilians and civilian objects”. A Huthi military spokesperson claimed that they had hit “important targets” in Riyadh “in retaliation to the continuous escalation by the Saudi enemy and its continuous siege on Yemen”.

Speaking at an Arab League ministerial session, a senior Bahraini diplomat criticised “Iran's threats to the stability and security of the region, noting that Iranian interference is taking place in a blatant and dangerous manner in a number of Arab countries through its continuous support for terrorist organisations, including Hizbollah and the terrorist Huthi group”. He further urged “a firm Arab stance against these Iranian threats”. According to a Bahraini readout, “the council expressed its condemnation of the continuous Iranian interference in the internal affairs of the Kingdom of Bahrain, its support for terrorism and training of terrorists, smuggling of weapons and explosives, and provoking sectarian strife”. Iran’s diplomatic spokesperson asserted that “the groundless allegations [against Iran] are made from the viewpoint of the countries which have made the strategic mistake of establishing relations with the Zionist regime [ie, Israel] and are now hurriedly seeking to draw attention away from the source of threat in a mistaken belief”.  

The Saudi-led coalition announced that it had downed “a bomb-laden UAV” launched by the Huthis toward Saudi Arabia. A Huthi military spokesperson claimed that multiple Huthi drones had “targeted Abha International Airport” and “struck the designated targets with great precisions”.

A UN panel of experts report on Yemen concluded that between July 2019 and June 2020, Iran and the U.S. were among the countries that “continued their support of parties to the conflict including through arms transfers, thereby helping to perpetuate the conflict”. Iran’s diplomatic spokesperson asserted that the report “ignored Iran’s pivotal role and its unfailing assistance for the political settlement of crisis in Yemen and has made a totally false claim by putting Iran on a list alongside those who arm the Saudi-led coalition aggressors… The allegation of Iran’s arms support for Yemen is basically false”.

The Saudi-led coalition reported that it had intercepted “a bomb-laden UAV” launched by the Huthis towards Saudi Arabia. A Huthi military spokesperson claimed that multiple Huthis drones had “targeted Abha International Airport”, adding that it was a “response to the continuous escalation of the forces of aggression [ie, the Saudi-led coalition] and their continued siege of the Yemeni people”.

The Saudi-led coalition announced that it had intercepted a Huthi “bomb-laden UAV” en route to Saudi Arabia. The same day, a Huthi military spokesperson claimed a drone attack on Abha Airport “with a number of drones targeting military sites and sensitive targets inside Saudi territory”.

The Saudi-led coalition announced that it had downed a Huthi “bomb-laden UAV while in Yemeni airspace”.

The Saudi-led coalition reported that it had downed “a bomb-laden UAV” launched by the Huthis towards Saudi Arabia.

The Saudi-led coalition announced that it had intercepted two armed UAVs launched by the Huthis. One was aimed at Abha International Airport, where “debris scattered” following the interception; there were no reported casualties. The same day, the coalition destroyed a Huthi “bomb-laden USV” in the southern Red Sea.

The Saudi-led coalition announced that it had downed “a bomb-laden UAV” launched by the Huthis toward Najran.

The Saudi-led coalition downed a ballistic missile fired in the direction of Najran. 

The Saudi-led coalition announced that it had downed “a bomb-laden UAV” and “one ballistic missile” launched by the Huthis towards Saudi Arabia.

The Saudi-led coalition reported that it had downed “a bomb-laden UAV launched by the terrorist Huthi militia” and one ballistic missile bound for Najran.

The Saudi-led coalition confirmed that it had downed “multiple bomb-laden UAVs” launched by the Huthis within Yemen. The following day, the coalition intercepted “a ballistic missile… toward civilians and civilian objects”.

The Saudi-led coalition announced that it had downed “a bomb-laden UAV... and two ballistic missiles” by the Huthis targeting Khamis Mushait. 

Iranian President Hassan Rouhani addressed “some southern neighbours” and affirmed: “Iran’s defence and weapons power is in favour of the whole region, and we use weapons to defend ourselves, and our power is not against you. You have to be careful of those who plunder your resources and sell you weapons to bomb your neighbour… Certainly, if we did not stand for the stability of the region, you would not be here today. So we have always been your supporter and brother”.

Iran’s ambassador to the IAEA reportedly called on the agency “to conduct a transparent probe into Saudi Arabia’s very hidden nuclear program and present a report to the members”. He further argued that “despite the fact that Saudi Arabia is an NPT member, it still refuses to accept the IAEA’s safeguards inspections, and despite repeated requests by the agency for several years, it has not amended its obligations so as to allow the inspectors in”.

The Saudi-led coalition reported that it had “intercepted and shot down a bomb-laden Unmanned Aerial Vehicle (UAV)” launched by the Huthis.

Google’s Threat Analysis Group reported that it had “terminated sixteen YouTube channels, one advertising account and one AdSense account as part of our ongoing investigation into coordinated influence operations linked to Iran”. “The campaign was linked to the Iranian state-sponsored International Union of Virtual Media (IUVM) network, and posted content in Arabic related to the U.S. response to COVID-19 and content about Saudi-American relations”, the report added.

Supreme Leader Ali Khamenei remarked that “Our eternal concerns are helping innocent Palestine and showing sympathy to the injured body of Yemen and to the consternations of Muslims subject to oppression in any part of the world. We also consider it our duty to offer words of advice to the heads of some Muslim countries who have resorted to the bosom of the enemy instead of relying on their Muslim brothers”. “These are people who condone the survival of the usurping and oppressive Zionist regime [ie, Israel] and who extend their hand of friendship to them privately and openly… I warn them about the bitter consequences of this behaviour” Khamenei added. He also remarked that “we regard the presence of the U.S. in west Asia as detrimental to regional nations and as a cause of insecurity, destruction and backwardness for countries”.

Foreign Minister Javad Zarif stated that “we are ready to cooperate with Saudi Arabia as two Persian Gulf states. However, it seems that the Saudi Arabian authorities are more aimed at starting a war [along] with the U.S. and benefitting from it. However, over the past few months, the U.S. has shown that it is not ready to get into a war in the interests of Saudi Arabia”. “The Saudis had better wake up, cheer up and engage in dialogue with those who are always with them in the region, instead of aiming their efforts at cooperating with Israel and the U.S.”, Zarif added.

The U.S., Iraq and the Gulf Cooperation Council jointly announced that they had “renewed their full support for the Gulf Cooperation Council Interconnection Authority (GCCIA) project to connect the electricity grids of Iraq and the GCC. The U.S. is committed to facilitating this project and providing support where needed”. “This project”, the statement added, “will provide much-needed electricity to the people of Iraq and support Iraq’s economic development, particularly in the southern provinces”.

The Saudi-led coalition reported that it had intercepted multiple ballistic missiles and “bomb-laden UAVs launched by the terrorist, Iran-backed Huthi militia launched deliberately from Sanaa to target civilians and civilian objects in the Kingdom”. A Huthi military spokesperson claimed that “the operation targeted the warplanes hangers, base housing and patriot systems in Khamis Mushait and other military sites at the airports of Abha, Jizan and Najran… A giant oil facility in the industrial zone in Jizan was [also] accurately targeted”. The Secretary General of the Gulf Cooperation Council (GCC) the next day denounced “Iran’s provision of… weapons to the Huthis in violation of the embargo imposed by Security Council Resolution 2216”. Iran’s Foreign Ministry responded: “we recommend the new GCC secretary general focuses his attention on the need to stop attacks by the [Saudi-led] coalition aggressors against Yemeni women and children and help settle the Yemen crisis through intra-Yemeni talks rather than pursuing the blame game trend and levelling groundless accusations against the Islamic Republic of Iran, which is in line with the destructive role of some GCC members”.

The Saudi-led coalition’s spokesperson remarked that “since the end of June… we’ve noticed the Huthi militias escalating their attempts to target civilians in Saudi Arabia, in Yemeni areas, and to threaten maritime routes and international trade. The important aspect here is that there is no doubt that the Iranian regime, the Iranian [Islamic] Revolutionary Guards Corps (IRGC) are dictating [orders for those attempts]”. “The [Huthi] militias do not have the power to make the decision to reach a political solution… The Iranian regime is the one benefitting from the continuation of those operations or the Yemen crisis”, he contended.

The Saudi-led coalition reported that it had conducted a “destruction operation against two legitimate military targets of the terrorist, Iran-backed Huthi militia” off the coast of Yemen.  “The destroyed targets are two bomb-laden USVs [Unmanned Surface Vehicles]… prepared to imminently execute hostile and terrorist actions in Bab al-Mandab Strait and Southern Red Sea”, the coalition asserted.

Secretary of State Mike Pompeo remarked that it “would be tragically dangerous for the region and created instability” if the UN arms embargo against Iran were to expire in October 2020. He added that “we’ve been working with our Gulf state partners, not only to get them to assist the U.S. effort to extend this arms embargo… but second, we’ve provided a great deal of assistance”. “You see all kinds of U.S. sales of weapons… and things that we can do both publicly and otherwise to help provide security in the face of an increasing capability of the Iranians to fire missiles all throughout the region, and ultimately establish a set of missile capabilities that is robust enough to defeat missile defences throughout the region, but strike in places that go beyond even just their near neighbourhood”, Pompeo added.

U.S. Secretary of State Mike Pompeo provided details of a 28 June weapons seizure previously alluded to by Saudi officials, stating that “U.S. and partner forces interdicted a vessel off the coast of Yemen with illicit cargo including 200 RPGs, more than 1,700 AK rifles, 21 surface-to-air and land-attack missiles, several anti-tank missiles and other advanced weapons and missiles”. Pompeo contended that “Iran is not abiding by the UN arms embargo restrictions” and urged the UN Security Council to “extend the arms embargo on Iran [beyond October] to prevent further conflict in the region”. Iran’s diplomatic spokesperson reacted by saying that “Americans who feel they have not succeeded in continuing Iran’s arms embargo on the international arena and the UN Security Council, are trying to use accusations and lies as an excuse to continue to exert maximum pressure and advance their vicious goals”.

The Saudi cabinet underscored that “the international community should take a firm stance against Iran and appropriate measures to continue [the UN] arms embargo on the Iranian regime, and to deal seriously with the nuclear and ballistic programs being developed by Iran”. The cabinet further cautioned “against the security consequences of the arms agreements that ignored Iran’s regional expansion and the legitimate security concerns of the region’s countries”.

The Saudi-led coalition reported that it had “intercepted and destroyed… four bomb-laden UAVs launched by the terrorist, Iran-backed Huthi militia toward the Kingdom”. A Huthi military spokesperson indicated that the attack struck “Saudi military sites in Asir and Najran provinces”, and warned that “we will continue targeting the Saudi depth and its military and sovereign institutions, and we will make sure that our targets are far from harming the Saudi people”.

The Saudi-led coalition announced that it had “started a military operation against Yemen’s Huthi movement after it stepped up cross-border missile and drone attacks on Saudi Arabia”.

Briefing the Security Council on the UN Secretary-General’s ninth biannual report on the implementation of resolution 2231, a senior UN official shared the Secretariat’s conclusion that “the examined cruise missiles and delta-wing UAVs and/or parts thereof used in the [2019] attacks on Saudi Arabia were of Iranian origin”. Saudi Foreign Minister Prince Faisal bin Farhan said the report’s findings “reinforce our support for a continued ban on arming the Iranian regime, and confronting its developing nuclear and ballistic programs”. Foreign Minister Javad Zarif claimed that the U.S. had “coerced the Secretariat to rely on self-serving allegations and forged documents to produce an utterly unprofessional report outside the scope of its mandate”.

The U.S. Special Representative for Iran, Brian Hook, met with senior Saudi officials in Riyadh. According to a U.S. readout, the two sides “highlighted the importance of extending the United Nations arms embargo on Iran” and “discussed joint diplomatic efforts at the UN and around the world to extend the embargo” beyond October 2020. At a joint press conference with Hook, a senior Saudi official warned that “despite the embargo, Iran seeks to provide weapons to terrorist groups, so what will happen if the embargo is lifted? Iran will be become more ferocious and aggressive”. Iran’s diplomatic spokesperson responded: “it is time that… countries [like Saudi Arabia] give up injudicious remarks and blind obedience to the U.S… The only way to establish stability and security in the region is to change hostile behaviour and turn to regional cooperation”, he added.

Saudi Arabia’s Border Guards revealed that on 25 June “three Iranian boats… entered Saudi waters, where they were immediately followed up and repeated warnings issued to them to stop, but they refused to respond”. The Saudi forces subsequently “fired warning shots, forcing the Iranian boats to retreat”. An Iranian official indicated that the ships were fishing boats that had gone off course.

The Arab Parliament issued a resolution holding “the Iranian regime fully responsible for its flagrant violation of the UN Security Council resolutions and its continued provision of Huthi coup militia with smart weapons, ballistic missiles and drones with the aim of destabilising security in the region and perpetuating chaos in the Republic of Yemen”.

The Saudi-led coalition announced that it had intercepted “eight bomb-laden UAVs… and three ballistic missiles” launched by the Huthis. The following day, the coalition reported the interception of another Huthi missile targeting Riyadh. A Huthi military spokesperson declared that “we have implemented… the largest offensive operation named ‘the 4th Balanced Deterrence Operation’ on the capital of the Saudi enemy” as a result of “the ongoing unjust blockade and the brutal aggression against our great Yemeni people”.

The U.S. Special Representative for Iran, Brian Hook, posited that “Iran would love to see a version of Hizbollah on Saudi’s southern flank. That is their ambition. And this would, I think, help build out Iran’s goals to create the Shiite crescent that stretches from Beirut down to Yemen. And so we’re doing what we can to interdict weapons”. Contending that “the Iranian regime has not been held to account by the international community for what it has done to create one of the world’s worst humanitarian catastrophes”, Hook argued that “the Huthis are a tribal militia that have been organised, trained and equipped for many years by Iran. And they did this while they were in the Iran deal”. Discussing negotiations, Hook claimed that “every time we bring these groups together, Iran is always hanging outside the conference room urging the Huthis to keep at it. And that has been one of the biggest, if not the biggest, obstacle to winding down the war in Yemen, is Iran wants to keep attacking Saudi Arabia through a proxy. It’s no different from what they do in Lebanon with Hizbollah or with Palestine Islamic Jihad, or with Hamas, or with its PMF in Iraq, on and on. This is Iran’s playbook”.

Saudi Arabia’s IAEA envoy told the Board of Governors that “Iran is still exploiting the shortage of an international nuclear agreement to extend its nuclear activity towards obtaining nuclear weapons”. He further expressed support for “a new comprehensive nuclear agreement with Iran that tackles the shortage in the current agreement, in a way that guarantees Iran’s as well as its regional surrounding rights in peaceful usage of nuclear activities and, at the same time, prevents Iran from expanding its terrorist regional plots or obtaining nuclear weapons”.

The Saudi-led coalition reported that it had “intercepted and destroyed… a ballistic missile launched by the terrorist, Iran-backed Huthi militia from Saada, Yemen, toward Najran in a deliberate attempt to target civilians and civilian objects”.

The Saudi-led coalition reported that it had “intercepted and destroyed… a bomb-laden UAV launched by the terrorist Iran-backed Huthi militia to deliberately target civilians and civilian objects in Khamis Mushait”. Later in the day, the coalition announced interception of “multiple bomb-laden UAVs” intended for “civilians and civilian objects in Aseer province”. A Huthi military spokesperson maintained that the strikes “hit their targets” and were “in response to the massive air escalation” by the coalition.

The Saudi-led coalition reported that it had “intercepted and destroyed a ballistic missile launched by the terrorist, Iran-backed Huthi militia from Saada governorate, deliberately targeting innocent civilians and civilian objects in Najran”. According to the statement, “minor injuries were sustained by civilians as a result of debris of the intercepted ballistic missile”.

CENTCOM commander Kenneth McKenzie opined that “Iran has no interest in this [Yemen] war being over. In fact, there's nothing better for them than for Saudi to continue to bleed out, for the Huthis to continue to launch attacks into Saudi Arabia and for this to continue to go on as something they can use to further embarrass the kingdom of Saudi Arabia on the international stage”. McKenzie further assessed that “if we could reduce the Iranian patronage… for the Huthis we might be able to get to an ultimate solution there. And that would allow other things to happen”.

Danish authorities announced charges against “three people for financing and promoting terrorism in Iran, including in collaboration with a Saudi intelligence service”. Denmark’s foreign minister underscored that “we will not accept such activities under any circumstances and our ambassador in Riyadh has repeated the same message directly to the Saudi authorities”.

A Pentagon official asserted that “American forces maintain strong capabilities in the [regional] operations, including air defence, to address any Iran-related emergencies as needed… We continue to work with the international community and the Saudi armed forces to strengthen regional air defence capabilities, and this is a multilateral and long-term effort”. “The U.S.-Saudi defence partnership is long-term, and includes a range of aspects of cooperation, including counter-terrorism, maritime security and air defence”, the spokesperson underscored.

The Saudi-led coalition reported that it had “intercepted and destroyed… UAVs launched by the terrorist Iran-backed Huthi militia toward civilian objects in Najran”.

Asked to comment on the “status of the Patriot missile battery withdrawals from Saudi Arabia”, a U.S. defence spokesperson indicated that “we have robust capabilities in theatre to address multiple threats and we have the ability to augment those resources on short notice... We have a longstanding relationship with Saudi Arabia. That is clearly not in question, whether we're moving forces in or moving them out. That's counterterrorism, that's maritime security, that's air defence and we remain committed to that”.

President Trump spoke to King Salman, and both leaders “reaffirmed the strong U.S.-Saudi defense partnership”, according to a U.S. readout. Commenting on reports about U.S. plans to remove “two Patriot anti-missile batteries from Saudi Arabia along with a number of military personnel”, the U.S. Special representative for Iran, Brian Hook, stated: “it doesn’t mean that Iran is no longer a threat… Our troop levels go up and down depending on the circumstances, but the mission set is the same. Our mission is not at all changed. We’re standing with our partners and our allies in the region. We’re doing everything we can to protect American interests”. Secretary of State Mike Pompeo subsequently indicated that “those Patriot batteries had been in place for some time. Those troops needed to get back. They needed to reposition… this wasn’t either a recognition of a decreased threat [from Iran]”. “It’s not a decrease in our support to the Kingdom of Saudi Arabia”, he added. Pompeo further noted that the Iranians “can see that we still have ample capability to continue to exercise both our maximum pressure campaign and our deterrence in the region”.

The Saudi-led coalition reported that “Huthi militia launched two ballistic missiles”, both of which fell in Yemeni territory.

After the Yemeni Southern Transitional Council (STC) declared self-rule in southern Yemen, the Saudi-led coalition called “for an immediate end to any steps contrary to the Riyadh Agreement, and work rapidly toward its implementation”. Iran’s diplomatic spokesperson also indicated that “Iran supports the united Yemen whose territorial integrity is protected… Such actions [of self-rule] will not only fail to help solve the current problems in Yemen, but will complicate the situation in the country”. The U.S. State Department said it was “concerned” by the STC announcement, contending that “such unilateral actions only exacerbate instability in Yemen”.

Foreign Minister Javad Zarif spoke with the UN Secretary-General, who, according to an Iranian readout, “welcomed the Islamic Republic of Iran’s efforts to ensure a ceasefire in Yemen and launch political talks over the Yemeni crisis”. Both officials “also emphasised the need for the reopening and security of the border and ports in Yemen to deliver humanitarian aid to the Yemeni people, particularly at the time of outbreak of coronavirus”.

The Saudi-led coalition announced “a one-month extension of the ceasefire” initiated on 8 April. The statement indicated that “the chance is still there for concerted efforts to reach a comprehensive and permanent ceasefire in Yemen, and consensus on serious, direct and tangible steps to alleviate the suffering of the Yemeni brotherly people”. The Coalition also stated that “it will strongly support such fundamental steps with the UN in order to reach a just and comprehensive political solution agreed upon by all the Yemenis”. A Huthi military spokesperson subsequently reported multiple strikes by the coalition.

The Saudi-led coalition reported that “the terrorist Iran-backed Huthi militia deliberately launched a ballistic missile to target civilians and civilian objects in Marib”, and maintained that the action “underscores the militia’s denial of all efforts and initiatives of ceasefire and de-escalation”. The coalition also asserted that it was “continuing to exercise utmost restraint in its rules of engagement, while maintaining the legitimate right to respond proportionately in self-defence, and undertaking all necessary measures to protect civilians in Yemen from the wrath of this terrorist militia”.

Iranian Foreign Minister Javad Zarif spoke with the UN Secretary-General discussing, inter alia, “latest developments in Yemen”. The two spoke again the following day. According to an Iranian readout, “the UN chief gave a report on the international body’s efforts to maintain the ceasefire in Yemen”, and “Zarif expressed support for the Secretary-General's efforts… stating that the Yemeni crisis has no military solution. He also called the establishment of a lasting ceasefire a prelude for the launch of political process to resolve the crisis”.

The Saudi-led coalition announced a “comprehensive ceasefire in Yemen for a period of two weeks”, effective 9 April and with a possibility of extension. A spokesperson declared that “the Coalition will seize this opportunity to unite all efforts to reach a comprehensive and lasting ceasefire in Yemen, and agree on serious, concrete and direct steps to alleviate the suffering of the brotherly Yemeni people and maintain their health and safety” amidst the COVID-19 pandemic. A Huthi military spokesperson on 9 April maintained that coalition strikes were ongoing. U.S. Secretary of State Mike Pompeo welcomed the announcement and “urge[d] the Huthis to respond in kind and cooperate with the UN special envoy, who has called for urgent talks between the parties”; another senior U.S. diplomat opined that “we think this is incredibly productive, and we think it’s really problematic that the Huthis aren’t following suit”.

Secretary of State Mike Pompeo spoke with his Saudi counterpart and “underscored that the U.S. strongly condemns the Huthis’ attempted attacks on civilian targets in Saudi Arabia on 28 March”. According to a U.S. readout of the conversation, “Secretary Pompeo expressed support for the de-escalation efforts led by UN Special Envoy Martin Griffiths, and the Secretary and the Foreign Minister agreed that an unstable Yemen only benefits the Iranian regime and that the regime’s destabilising behaviour there must be countered. The Secretary underscored that the U.S. would continue to support Saudi Arabia in the face of Iran’s threatening behaviour”.

Discussing an 28 March Huthi missile attack against Saudi Arabia, U.S. Secretary of State Mike Pompeo indicated that “the damage that was done by those was very minor, but nonetheless there’d been a lot of work to reduce conflict, to take down the levels of violence that were there, and we’d had some success. The Saudis had been leading that effort, and it broke down that day”. Pompeo added that “the Saudis have now responded, and I’m hopeful they can get back on the right path. We are hopeful that we can find a path forward with the UN Security Council resolution in Yemen to find a path to peace there... Sadly, it appears that the Iranians don’t share our vision for peace in Yemen and in Saudi Arabia”.

The Saudi-led coalition confirmed that in response to a 28 March Huthi missile attack, the coalition had “conducted a military operation to neutralise and destroy ‘legitimate military targets’ of the terrorist Huthi militia in accordance with customary International Humanitarian Law to confront ongoing and imminent threats”. The statement added that “the targets that were destroyed include advanced capabilities of the terrorist militia, storage, assembly and installation sites of ballistic missiles and UAVs, locations of Islamic Revolutionary Guard Corps (IRGC) experts and weapons depots”. The coalition further posited that “the Iranian regime is concentrating all financial, man and logistic powers to support the terrorist militia to realise its ideals and expansionist ambitions on the account of the Iranian people who are suffering in this hectic time”. Iran’s diplomatic spokesperson responded by calling on “the coalition of aggressors against Yemen to take into account the realities on the ground… instead of delusions and reveries, and to recognise that playing with words, pinning blame on others and making accusations against the others will not make up for their political and military failures”.

The Saudi-led coalition reported that “the Royal Saudi Air Defense intercepted and destroyed two ballistic missiles launched by the terrorist Iran-backed Huthi militia… toward Riyadh and Jizan”. Debris fell in both cities though there were no initial reports of casualties. The coalition asserted that “the launch of ballistic missiles by the terrorist Huthi militia and the IRGC at this time reflects the real threat of this terrorist militia and the Iranian regime sponsoring it…It is a continuation of Iran’s strategy of falsification and procrastination to deepen the suffering of brotherly people of Yemen, and further proof that the Huthi militia is stripped of its will and decision-making ability to end this crisis”.

The Saudi-led coalition reported that it had been “able to intercept and destroy UAVs launched by the terrorist Iran-backed Huthi militia toward civilian objects in Abha and Khamis Mushait”.

Secretary of State Mike Pompeo spoke to Crown Prince Mohammed bin Salman and suggested that “Saudi Arabia has a real opportunity to rise to the occasion and reassure global energy and financial markets when the world faces serious economic uncertainty”. Pompeo also “thanked the Crown Prince for Saudi Arabia’s continued partnership in the face of the Iranian regime’s destabilising regional behaviour”.

The Saudi-led coalition reported that it had “detected an attempt by the terrorist Iran-backed Huthi militia to conduct an imminent hostile, terrorist act in Southern Red Sea using two R/C exploding boats launched from Hodeida governorate”.

King Salman chaired a cabinet session which reiterated that “Iran bears direct responsibility for the ‎outbreak of corona infection”. The cabinet further contended “that the international community must ‎assume its responsibilities regarding the Iranian hostile practices and sponsorship of terrorist activities ‎in the region and the world which pose a threat to the international peace and security”. ‎

The Saudi-led coalition announced that it had “destroyed… six remote-controlled exploding boats and naval mines assembly, rigging and launch sites” in western Yemen, adding that “these locations are used [by the Huthis] to prepare execution of hostile action and terrorist operations that threaten sea lines of communication and international trade in the southern Red Sea and Bab al-Mandab strait”.

After five Saudi nationals tested positive for COVID-19 following travel to Iran, a Saudi official stated that “the Kingdom denounced Iran's irresponsible action of granting Saudi citizens entry to its territories without stamping their passports, especially at a time where there is an outbreak… in Iran. These actions are a proof of Iran’s direct responsibility in increasing COVID-19 infections and in the virus’s outbreak all around the world”. The official further asserted that Saudi Arabia would consider “the Iranian authorities fully responsible for all Saudis who did not report their travels and had gotten infected during their stay in Iran”. Iran’s diplomatic spokesperson subsequently indicated that “electronic visa issuance rules and regulations of the Islamic Republic of Iran are equal for nationals of all countries… and labeling and stamping entry and exit sign is prevented according to the visa requirements of many advanced and developed countries”. He further urged “Saudi Arabia to avoid politicising coronavirus and psychological projection in this field”.

The speaker of the Arab Parliament reportedly asserted that “the transgressions and threats of the Iranian regime require a unified Arab stance to stop them, indicating that the Arab Parliament is currently working on preparing a ‘unified Arab strategy to deal with the geographical neighbouring countries’”, Iran among them.

The Saudi-led coalition announced that “an imminent terrorist attack that was aiming to target an oil tanker in the Arabian Sea… was thwarted”. The coalition’s spokesperson indicated that “the attempt was carried out using four boats and [was] attempting to bomb the oil tanker using one of the unmanned, remote-controlled exploding boats”, and further asserted that “the naval threat… has evolved into a strategic threat to international security”.

U.S. Central Command announced that “the U.S. Navy and the Royal Saudi Naval Forces (RSNF) are participating in [bilateral maritime] exercise Nautical Defender 20”.

A Saudi court sentenced one Saudi individual to death and seven others to jail for reported charges of “spying for Iran and monitoring two foreign embassies in the Kingdom”.

The Saudi-led coalition said that it had foiled “an attempt of an imminent hostile, terrorist attack in Southern Red [Sea] using a remote-controlled exploding boat… by the terrorist Iran-backed Huthi militia”. The coalition also announced that it had carried out “a military operation to destroy legitimate military targets of Iran-made ballistic missile and UAV assembly, storage and launch capabilities in the capital [ie, Sanaa]”.

During a visit to Saudi Arabia, Secretary of State Mike Pompeo maintained that “the leaders in this region… appreciate America’s ability to support the deterrence posture that we have [against Iran] and they understand that if we cower, if we shrink back from the Iranian imperialism, from this theocratic revolutionary regime, that life for ordinary people, whether that’s in Jordan or in Bahrain or here in Saudi Arabia, or in the Emirates, will be worse off… They’re thankful for our presence, for our support and the work that we’re all doing as part of this coalition whether that’s in the Strait of Hormuz or in Europe or right here on the ground”.

The Saudi-led coalition reported that “the Royal Saudi Air Defence intercepted ballistic missiles launched by the terrorist Iran-backed Huthi militia towards Saudi cities”. The following day, a Huthi military spokesperson claimed that they had “targeted Aramco and other sensitive targets in Yanbu”, Saudi Arabia.

Speaking alongside Secretary of State Mike Pompeo in Saudi Arabia, the U.S. ambassador to country indicated that “the kingdom has done a tremendous amount to suppress Sunni Islamic extremism within their own borders, and they have been a great cooperation partner with us… Now what the next job is, at some point in history – hopefully soon – Shiite Islamic extremism led by the Iranian Revolutionary Guards’ Quds Force gets rolled back”. Discussing the aftermath of the September 2019 attack against Saudi oil facilities, he noted that the Saudis “naturally turned to us for support, and our support has been defensive. They’ve never asked for offensive support… the defensive posture is much improved not only for the U.S. but for Saudi Arabia. And so our ability to withstand something that might come from that direction is much improved, but it’s not perfect”. He further maintained that “the missiles that are being used and fired from Yemen by the Huthis are all coming from the Iranians… it’s really important for us to understand who is the aggressor in the region, and it’s no doubt it’s the Iranians”.

Referring to weapon shipments seized by the U.S. forces in the Arabian Sea on November 2019 and February 2020, a spokesperson for the U.S. Central Command stated that “the U.S. assesses with high confidence that the weapons… were manufactured in Iran and were being illicitly smuggled to the Huthis in Yemen”. A senior U.S. defence official underscored that “the Pentagon continues to be committed to disrupting the transport of illicit weapons in the region and preventing Iran from spreading its malign influence”. The U.S. Special Representative for Iran, Brian Hook, asserted that “Iran’s ongoing transfer of weapons to the Huthis violates multiple UN Security Council resolutions”. He added that “The international community should apply more pressure on Iran until it stops providing arms, training and funding to proxy groups in the gray zone. This includes by acting to extend the UN arms embargo on Iran, which, under the Iran deal, expires in October”.

Discussing Iran’s Hormuz Peace Endeavour (HOPE) proposal, President Rouhani noted that “some regional countries welcomed it well and some others have not yet given an explicit response, but we still believe that it is the regional states that must help establish peace. We stress that all countries must enjoy security and stability in the region”. On Yemen, Rouhani underlined that “the Yemeni issues must be resolved by the Yemenis themselves and the countries that are carrying out acts of aggression toward the country must stop it”. He also asserted that Iran “oppose[s] war”, while adding that “Americans are not looking for war either”.

At the Munich Security Conference, Iranian Foreign Minister Javad Zarif underscored that “we have no intention of having trouble with any of our neighbours… We would run to the assistance of Saudi Arabia if anybody attacks Saudi Arabia”. Zarif added: “my message to my brothers: I’m not asking them to stop their relations with the U.S. That’s none of my business... What is our business is that the U.S. will not give you protection. Israel will not give you protection. You need to get protection from within. Security cannot be purchased”. He further accused Saudi Arabia of funding “every Iranian terrorist organisation”. Saudi Foreign Minister Prince Faisal bin Farhan indicated that “our message to Iran has been that once they are willing to admit that their regional behaviour is the main source of instability and that activities such as firing ballistic missiles at your neighbouring states is not contributory to security, then we can discuss the potential of talks”.

Saudi Foreign Minister Prince Faisal bin Farhan indicated that “we have a back channel [between Riyadh and the Huthis] and it’s not yet ready to move to the highest level”. “It’s making progress”, he added, maintaining that “we have seen some deterioration recently, but we are committed to moving it forward”.

The Saudi-led coalition confirmed that the previous day a “Royal Saudi Air Force Tornado fighter jet crashed while conducting close air support to units of the National Army of Yemen”. The coalition subsequently indicated that it “holds the terrorist Huthi militia responsible for the lives and wellbeing of the [Tornado] air crew”. The following day the Huthis accused the coalition of conducting airstrikes in al-Jawf governorate in which “nearly 30 people were killed”; Iran’s diplomatic spokesperson condemned the strike.

The U.S. contended that the UN Security Council’s Final Report of the Panel of Experts on Yemen supported “the conclusion of the U.S., France, Germany, and the United Kingdom that Iran bears responsibility” for the 14 September attack on Saudi oil facilities, arguing that since then “Iran has continued its program of terrorism, nuclear extortion and destabilising behaviour”. “The Security Council,” the statement added, “now has less than 36 weeks until the October expiration of the UN arms embargo to renew sanctions forbidding the sale of certain weapons systems to Iran”. According to the UN report, “despite claims to the contrary, the Huthi forces are unlikely to be responsible for the [September 2019] attack, as the estimated range of the weapon systems used does not allow for a launch from Huthi-controlled territory. Nevertheless, a number of other attacks on Saudi Arabia can clearly be attributed to the Houthi forces”. The Panel also reported “the continued reception by Huthi forces of military support” and indicated that “some of those weapons have technical characteristics similar to arms manufactured in the Islamic Republic of Iran”.

Secretary of Defense Mark Esper remarked that “what we want to do is increase the NATO activities' presence in Iraq, making sure that we're fully living up to the capacity available to us in NATO Mission Iraq. And then, of course, to the degree that NATO can – can offset the U.S. presence, that would over time allow us to bring some forces home”. Esper further noted that “I also want to see if NATO can help us, help our friends and partners in the Middle East with air defence, as an example. So the Saudis in particular are – need additional air defence assets to deter Iranian bad behaviour. They're not the only country, but that's an example where I'd like to see greater NATO participation, or at least our NATO partners participating”.

A senior Iranian official posited that “we have always been ready to hold talks with Saudi Arabia, but unfortunately, the leaders of this country are not in charge of making decisions for themselves… The Americans are trying to take advantage of the situation; as such, they don’t allow Saudi leaders to take independent decisions”.

Iran’s ambassador to Iraq remarked that “Tehran welcomes Iraq’s role in seeking to resolve outstanding issues between Iran and Saudi Arabia and regional issues… the Iraqi government has played a constructive role in the region and we welcome any effort to reduce tension”. He also called on the U.S. to “stop interfering in the affairs of the region and dismantle their bases”, adding that “in the event that the U.S. commits another crime, Iran will respond to it again”.

The Danish Security and Intelligence Service (PET) announced the arrest of three members of an Iranian opposition group, ASMLA (Arab Struggle Movement for the Liberation of al-Ahwaz). The three individuals were “charged with espionage in Denmark on behalf of a Saudi intelligence service”, which according to PET took place between 2012 and 2018. A fourth person was detained in the Netherlands.

Iran’s diplomatic spokesperson reported that “the Saudi government has barred the Islamic Republic” from an Organisation of Islamic Cooperation (OIC) meeting called “to discuss the OIC's stance on the Palestinian cause” after release of the U.S. Peace to Prosperity plan.

Iran’s diplomatic spokesperson responded to reports of a UN panel assessing that the Huthis had obtained materiel “similar to Iran’s” by contending that “all that glitters is not gold and any similar weapon is not necessarily as an Iranian weapon”.

During a trip to Saudi Arabia, a senior U.S. military official predicted that a military engagement involving Iran was “not going to be a ground maneuver war, it’s going to be a war of fires, it’s going to be a war of ballistic missiles, a war of unmanned aerial systems and cruise missiles… the ability of nations in the region to provide for their air defence is going to be important”.

A Huthi military spokesperson claimed that “in response to the air escalation of the aggression, the missile force and drone air force carried out specific operations targeting Aramco in Jizan, Abha, Khamis Mushait base and sensitive targets in the Saudi rear”.

President Trump unveiled “Peace to Prosperity: A Vision to Improve Lives of the Palestinian and Israeli People”. Prime Minister Netanyahu told Trump that the initiative “strikes the right balance where others have failed… It’s a great plan for Israel. It’s a great plan for peace”. He also praised the president as “the greatest friend that Israel has ever had in the White House”, going on to cite, inter alia, Trump’s moves “to stand up to Iran, to pull out of that dangerous Iran deal… to eliminate Qassem Soleimani”. President Rouhani called the U.S. initiative “abhorrent to all Muslims and freedom seekers in the world”. Saudi Arabia welcomed Trump’s efforts and urged “the start of direct peace negotiations between the Palestinian and Israeli sides, under the auspices of the U.S., and to resolve any disagreements with aspects of the plan through negotiations”.

The Saudi Foreign Minister indicated that ISIS “continue to pose a threat and it's very important that the international community continue to support the Iraqi forces to remain vigilant and the American presence is an important of that”. He described the killing by the U.S. of IRGC Quds Force head Qassem Soleimani as “legitimate self-defence” and said that Iran’s “statements [since Soleimani’s killing] aren't positive. But we will continue to call on them to behave in a way that can support regional stability”.

In a statement, the U.S. said it was “alarmed by renewed violence in Yemen”. It went on to urge “all parties to put the needs of the Yemeni people first and immediately return to restraint”, while asserting that “the Huthis must cease attacks on Saudi territory”. 

A senior Saudi defence official contended that “the biggest threats to the region, and to international security, is basically Iran”. He further stated that “Iran has expansionist policies. They want to basically take over countries in the region. They have these destructive activities in the region that is pulling the region backward, not forward. This is the cause of friction”. He added that “the Iranian regime and its proxies on one side, and ISIS, al-Qaeda and terrorist organizations on the other side. We believe that they’re both two sides of the same coin… when it comes to us, we’re the common enemy, and they cooperate”.

Saudi Foreign Minister Prince Faisal expressed his government’s willingness to negotiate with Iran, adding that “it is really up to Iran”. He noted that talks would require Tehran’s acknowledgement that Iran “cannot further its regional agenda through violence”. In related remarks, a senior Saudi official called Iran “the largest sponsor of terrorism in the world” and reiterated: “pressure needs to be continued on Iran”. Asserting that “the Iranians have to show good faith… change their behaviour and their policies”, he also stated that if Iran “want to be treated as a normal country, they should act as one”. Foreign Minister Javad Zarif subsequently took to Twitter to maintain that “'normal’ countries don’t operate abattoirs disguised as consulates. ‘Normal’ countries don’t attack their neighbours, cause a humanitarian crisis and refuse to talk. Nonetheless, we don’t set preconditions for dialogue”.

A missile strike against a Yemeni armed forces camp in Marib killed over a hundred and left dozens more injured; the Saudi government “expressed in the strongest terms… condemnation and denunciation of this sinful terrorist attack carried out by the Huthi militia”.

French President Emmanuel Macro, announced that “in the Arabian Peninsula and Arab-Persian Gulf, where tensions are mounting, we have deployed in record time the Jaguar Task Force, which contributes to reassuring the Saudi kingdom”. Iran’s diplomatic spokesperson subsequently reacted by asserting that “your military presence in the Persian Gulf is as wrong as your naming it. Both mistakes are huge but compensable”.

Foreign Minister Javad Zarif emphasised that "we are ready for negotiations with Saudi Arabia and other Persian Gulf littoral states and we are ready to give proposals regarding security in this region, particularly the Strait of Hormuz”.

Media reports cited a confidential UN report assessing that “Huthi forces did not launch the attacks on Abqaiq and Khurais on 14 September 2019” because the missiles used in the attack did not “have a sufficient range to have been launched from Yemeni territory under the control of the Huthis”. “Abqaiq and Khurais were approached respectively from a north/northwestern and north/northeastern direction, rather than from the south, as one would expect in the case of a launch from Yemeni territory”, the report added.

Following the killing by the U.S. of Iran’s Qods Force commander, Qassem Soleimani, the Saudi foreign minister indicated that “we are very keen that the situation in the region doesn’t escalate any further. It’s certainly a very dangerous moment and we have to be conscious of the risks and dangers not just to the region but to wider global security”.

The head of the IRGC's Qods force, Qasem Soleimani, was killed in a U.S. strike in Baghdad. The U.S. Department of Defense confirmed that "at the direction of the President, the U.S. military has taken decisive defensive action to protect U.S. personnel abroad by killing Qasem Soleimani”, adding that "Soleimani was actively developing plans to attack American diplomats and service members in Iraq and throughout the region". Iran confirmed Soleimani’s death, and the IRGC said that four other Qods force members along with five Iraqis, notably including a senior Hashd official, were also killed in the operation. Iranian Supreme Leader Ali Khamenei subsequently asserted that "enemies should bear in mind that the Islamic Republic of Iran will take tough revenge on criminals over the martyrdom of General Soleimani".

The Saudi-led coalition announced that “six Saudi war prisoners arrived at King Salman Airbase”.

The Saudi Cabinet “expressed the Kingdom's condemnation and denunciation of the attacks by terrorist militias backed by the Iranian regime against the American forces present in Iraq”.

U.S. Secretary of State Mike Pompeo and Saudi Crown Prince Mohammad bin Salman “discussed [27 December] Kataeb Hizbollah strikes on Coalition Forces in Kirkuk… as well as the U.S.’ defensive strikes [on 29 December] in Iraq and Syria”. They “agreed that the Iranian regime and its proxies continue to be a destabilising force in the region and that nations have a right to defend themselves in the face of these threats”. According to the U.S. readout of the call, Pompeo “underscored that attacks by the Iranian regime, or their proxies of any identity, that harm Americans, our allies or our interests will be answered with a decisive response”, and both sides “agreed to continue to work together to continue countering Iran’s malign behaviour”.