Russia Offers Mediation as Houthi Attacks on Saudi Arabia Escalate
MOSCOW – Russia has offered to mediate in the escalating Middle East crisis, proposing to help ease tensions and find a diplomatic resolution to the growing conflict between Houthi rebels and Saudi Arabia.
Russian Foreign Minister Sergey Lavrov made the offer during a meeting in Moscow with his Saudi counterpart, Prince Faisal bin Farhan Al Saud, according to international news agencies.
Lavrov stated that Russia is closely monitoring the tense situation in the Middle East and is seriously interested in playing a role in efforts to normalize conditions in the region. The meeting focused on the rising tensions between the Houthis and Saudi Arabia, with Lavrov condemning the Houthi attacks on Saudi soil as “unacceptable.”
The Saudi Foreign Minister criticized the Houthis and reiterated Saudi Arabia’s commitment to defending itself, while Lavrov expressed Russia’s readiness to facilitate dialogue.
Russia maintains close diplomatic ties with both Saudi Arabia and Iran, positioning itself as a potential mediator. Prince Faisal expressed the Kingdom’s desire to further strengthen political and economic cooperation with Moscow. He noted that collaboration between Saudi Arabia and Russia is playing a vital role in stabilizing the global economy and energy markets.
“Both countries work closely in the global crude oil markets, helping maintain a balance between supply and demand and protecting the interests of both oil-producing nations and consumers,” the Saudi minister said.
Attacks Escalate as Tensions Rise
Russia’s mediation offer comes as the relative calm that prevailed in Yemen since the 2022 ceasefire appears to be unraveling. On Tuesday, Houthi rebels launched drone and missile attacks on the southern Saudi cities of Abha, Khamis Mushait, Najran, and Jazan, injuring at least 73 people.
The attacks sparked fires at key Saudi energy facilities, impacting installations including the Jazan oil refinery. The Houthis have recently announced they would intensify operations against Saudi naval vessels and target Saudi shipping in the Red Sea.
Oil Markets on Edge
Simultaneously, the ongoing conflict between the United States and Iran has placed the Strait of Hormuz — one of the world’s most critical maritime chokepoints — under severe strain. Disruptions to oil shipments in the region have raised concerns in global energy markets, with Brent crude prices surging to nearly $99 per barrel on Tuesday.
Russia has previously supported diplomatic contacts and negotiations in various Middle East conflicts and has offered its mediation role for their resolution. The latest offer signals Moscow’s continued engagement in regional diplomacy amid growing instability.
