Iran calls for diplomacy as Houthis escalate attacks on Saudi Arabia

Saudi Arabia is reporting fresh drone and cruise missile threats following a series of attacks on its airports, including two strikes on King Khalid International Airport in Riyadh over the weekend that killed 14 people and injured more than 300. Iranian Foreign Ministry spokesman Esmaeil Baghaei says Tehran is ready to facilitate negotiations between Saudi Arabia and Yemen, warning that further escalation would only benefit Israel. His comments follow a phone call between the Saudi and Iranian foreign ministers, as Tehran seeks to use its influence with the Houthis to support diplomatic efforts. The Ansar Allah Houthis say negotiations remain their preferred option but insist they will not compromise on reopening Sanaa International Airport. Sources suggest Saudi Arabia is considering lifting restrictions on the airport in exchange for a Houthi withdrawal from strategic areas along Yemen's Red Sea coast, although no agreement has been confirmed. Meanwhile, the Houthis are reportedly advancing towards Mount Sabr, overlooking Taiz, where forces loyal to the internationally recognised Yemeni government are resisting their advance. Capturing the strategic mountain would represent a major setback for government forces.

Al Jazeera's Tohid Assadi reports from Tehran and Yousef Mawry from Sanaa.

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