Saudi Intensifies Diplomatic Efforts to Back Efforts of UN Envoy to Yemen

The Saudi ambassador to Yemen receives UN envoy Griffiths. (SPA)
The Saudi ambassador to Yemen receives UN envoy Griffiths. (SPA)
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Saudi Intensifies Diplomatic Efforts to Back Efforts of UN Envoy to Yemen

The Saudi ambassador to Yemen receives UN envoy Griffiths. (SPA)
The Saudi ambassador to Yemen receives UN envoy Griffiths. (SPA)

Saudi Arabia has intensified its diplomatic efforts with other Arab states to push for a solution that ends the suffering inflicted by Iran-backed Houthis on the Yemeni people. The scale up follows United Nations envoy to Yemen Martin Griffiths concluding his visit to Riyadh.

Griffiths was in the Saudi capital to meet with officials from Yemen’s legitimate government to receive their approval on his final draft to the “joint declaration.”

The envoy said he held constructive meetings with Yemeni Foreign Minister Mohammed al-Hadhrami and parliament Speaker Sultan al-Burkani. The officials discussed the latest updates to the draft joint declaration.

Discussions also focused on the dire humanitarian consequences of the military escalation in and around Marib, which Griffiths said continues to be safe haven for hundreds of thousands of internally displaced Yemenis.

The envoy also renewed his emphasis that the attack on Marib must immediately cease

Griffiths also met with Saudi Deputy Defense Minister Prince Khalid bin Salman and Saudi Ambassador to Yemen Mohammed Al Jaber, who confirmed Riyadh’s support to the envoy’s efforts to reach a comprehensive political settlement in the war-torn country.

The envoy welcomed progress in the implementation of the Riyadh Agreement and discussed ways to move towards a comprehensive political solution in Yemen.

In other news, Jordan denounced the Houthis' continued attempts to target civilians in Saudi Arabia, stressing full support for the Kingdom’s efforts towards defending its security and stability.

Foreign Ministry spokesperson Daifallah Fayez also condemned the militias’ continued launching of ballistic missiles and drones targeting the Yemeni city of Marib.

The spokesperson also emphasized the need to reach an immediate and permanent ceasefire, pointing out that the Houthis must comply with all UN efforts aimed at reaching a political solution to end the crisis, restore Yemen's security and stability and meet the Yemeni people’s aspirations.



Oman Warns of Escalation Risk, Qatar Pushes to Revive Talks

Qatar’s Emir receives written message from Iran’s President Pezeshkian. Photo: QNA
Qatar’s Emir receives written message from Iran’s President Pezeshkian. Photo: QNA
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Oman Warns of Escalation Risk, Qatar Pushes to Revive Talks

Qatar’s Emir receives written message from Iran’s President Pezeshkian. Photo: QNA
Qatar’s Emir receives written message from Iran’s President Pezeshkian. Photo: QNA

Oman warned on Wednesday against the growing military escalation between Israel and Iran and stepped up its diplomatic efforts to shield the region from the risk of a broader conflict.

Qatar, also intensifying its mediation, said it was working with regional and international partners to end the Israeli-Iranian confrontation. This came as Qatari Emir Sheikh Tamim bin Hamad Al Thani received a written message from Iran’s President Masoud Pezeshkian.

According to the Qatari state news agency, the letter focused on bilateral relations and ways to enhance them.

On Tuesday, Majed Al Ansari, spokesperson for the Qatari Ministry of Foreign Affairs and advisor to the Prime Minister, said Doha was in constant contact with friends and partners in and outside the region to help end the escalating conflict.

“Qatar is engaging all parties to narrow differences and reach a scenario that puts an end to this dangerous escalation,” he said.

Al Ansari added that Qatar was working closely with regional and international actors to revive negotiations and de-escalate tensions to prevent the region from sliding into a potentially devastating war.

He said the Qatari Prime Minister and Foreign Minister had spoken with several international officials in recent days, voicing strong condemnation of Israel’s repeated violations and attacks, which he said undermine efforts to achieve peace.

Al Ansari stressed the urgent need for collective regional and global action to reduce tensions and resolve disputes through diplomacy.

In Muscat, the Omani Ministry of Foreign Affairs said Foreign Minister Badr bin Hamad Al Busaidi held talks with his Arab counterparts and key international partners, including EU foreign policy chief and European Commission Vice-President Kaja Kallas.

According to Omani sources, the discussions focused on tackling rising regional tensions triggered by Israel’s pre-emptive strikes on Iran and Tehran’s subsequent response, part of a broader crisis that has been intensifying since early Friday.

The talks also addressed the need to align international positions, increase political and legal pressure to halt Israeli attacks, and push for comprehensive negotiations aimed at restoring stability and averting further military escalation.

Al Busaidi urged an immediate end to what he called a “tragic war threatening regional security” and called for heightened diplomatic pressure to revive a political solution.