Escalation of attacks between Houthis and Saudi Arabia

In late October 2026, the Houthi movement intensified aerial attacks against Saudi Arabia, targeting the Ras Tanura oil refinery, the Saudi Ministry of Defense in Riyadh, and military transport aircraft in Najran and Khamis Mushait. The Houthi military spokesperson, Yahya Saree, claimed direct hits on these locations, while the Saudi-led coalition consistently reported the successful interception and destruction of incoming ballistic missiles. Tensions also extended to the Yemeni border, where Saudi airstrikes in the Al-Jawf province reportedly resulted in at least 14 fatalities.

Amid these hostilities, reports emerged regarding a potential diplomatic effort to secure a ceasefire. The Saudi Minister of Defense, Prince Khalid bin Salman, reportedly visited Tehran to discuss a financial agreement, with some sources alleging an offer of $1 billion to halt Houthi attacks. While the visit has been confirmed, neither side has officially verified the specific financial claims. Meanwhile, the Saudi-led coalition continues to report ongoing missile interceptions, most recently targeting the Kingdom's Eastern Province on October 29. The situation remains volatile as both sides engage in retaliatory military actions while attempting to navigate complex regional power dynamics.