Iran, Saudi Arabia discuss regional 'insecurity' as Yemen fighting flares
Diplomats from Iran and Saudi Arabia held discussions regarding regional insecurity amid escalating conflict in Yemen. While the official readout avoided specific mention of Yemen, both nations emphasized the need for diplomatic cooperation to prevent further instability.
Why it matters
The dialogue between these regional powers is critical for de-escalating proxy conflicts and maintaining stability in the Red Sea shipping lanes.
The top diplomats of Iran and Saudi Arabia spoke by phone to discuss "growing insecurity" in the region, Tehran said, without mentioning recent fighting in Yemen, where the two countries support opposing sides.
Tehran militarily and financially backs Yemen's Houthis, who for years have held large parts of the country's north and on Thursday (September 10, 2026) seized the strategic Red Sea port city of Mocha.
Riyadh has long supported Yemen's internationally recognised government and has been carrying out airstrikes on the Houthis since they began their advance, the group has said.
Saudi Arabia and Iran have also found themselves at odds during the wider West Asia war, which saw Tehran launch strikes on Saudi oil infrastructure and U.S.-linked targets in the Gulf kingdom.
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