Saudi Arabia reportedly offers Houthis $1 billion for ceasefire in Iran-brokered deal
by Anustupa Mishra · KalingaTVAdvertisement
New Delhi: Saudi Arabia has reportedly offered $1 billion to Yemen’s Houthi group as part of a proposed ceasefire arrangement mediated by Iran, according to Israeli media reports citing diplomatic sources in the Gulf.
The reported deal aims to stop Houthi attacks against the kingdom amid escalating tensions across the Middle East.
According to the reports, Saudi Defence Minister Prince Khalid bin Salman travelled to Tehran for discussions with Iranian officials as part of diplomatic efforts to de-escalate the conflict.
One unnamed diplomatic source claimed that the proposed arrangement involved transferring the money through Iran. However, a Saudi official did not confirm that any funds had been transferred
What Does the Reported Deal Involve?
The proposed financial assistance would reportedly help pay public-sector salaries in Houthi-controlled areas of Yemen and support the reconstruction of civilian infrastructure.
In return, the Houthis would be expected to maintain a ceasefire and stop attacks on Saudi Arabia.
The reports link the proposal to earlier understandings between Riyadh and the Houthis concerning financial assistance and efforts to settle the conflict.
Advertisement
However, the exact terms of any new agreement, its implementation timeline and whether the Houthis have accepted the proposal remain unclear.
Regional Tensions Drive Diplomatic Efforts
The reported negotiations come amid renewed Houthi attacks on Saudi airports and oil infrastructure.
Senior officials from Saudi Arabia, Pakistan and Turkey have also travelled to Tehran for discussions aimed at reducing regional tensions and supporting diplomatic solutions.
In an official statement, Saudi Arabia described the visit as part of broader efforts to encourage dialogue and support mediation by Qatar and Pakistan.
The statement did not confirm the reported $1 billion offer.
The reported proposal could represent an attempt to reduce cross-border attacks and stabilise the wider region.
However, the financial offer remains an unverified media report, and no confirmed announcement has established that a $1 billion payment has been made or that a ceasefire agreement has been finalised.
Also Read: PM Modi holds delegation-level talks with Liechtenstein’s Hereditary Prince Alois
Advertisement