Dubai: Iran has confirmed that diplomatic talks with Saudi Arabia are continuing despite escalating fighting in Yemen, as regional powers seek to prevent the conflict from spreading further across the Middle East.
Iranian Foreign Minister Abbas Araghchi said on November 3 that talks with Saudi Arabia were continuing and that Iran had no hostility towards countries in the Gulf Cooperation Council (GCC).
In a statement posted on social media, Araghchi acknowledged the diplomatic efforts of Qatar and Oman. He also called for a regional security arrangement led by countries in the region without the involvement of foreign military forces.
His remarks came amid growing tensions involving Iran, Saudi Arabia and Yemen's Houthi movement, which has intensified attacks against Saudi targets while fighting continues across several parts of Yemen.
The diplomatic engagement follows a meeting held in Tehran on October 26 involving representatives from Iran, Saudi Arabia, Pakistan and Türkiye.
The meeting brought together Saudi Defence Minister Prince Khalid bin Salman, Pakistan's Chief of Army Staff and Chief of Defence Forces Field Marshal Asim Munir, Türkiye's National Intelligence Organisation chief Ibrahim Kalin and Iran's Supreme National Security Council Secretary Mohsen Rezaei.
Iranian President Masoud Pezeshkian and Foreign Minister Araghchi also participated in the diplomatic discussions.
The four countries agreed to continue dialogue and strengthen regional cooperation on peace and security. However, the meeting did not produce a formal peace agreement or a non aggression treaty.
Saudi Arabia said the discussions were intended to reduce tensions and encourage diplomatic solutions. Riyadh also acknowledged the mediation efforts of Qatar and Pakistan and called on the parties involved to respond positively to the diplomatic initiatives.
The diplomatic efforts are particularly significant because Saudi Arabia is facing renewed security threats from Yemen's Houthi movement, which has claimed responsibility for attacks against Saudi infrastructure and military targets.
Saudi Arabia has reported intercepting incoming missiles and drones amid the escalation. The Houthis have also claimed responsibility for attacks against Saudi oil facilities and airports, including Riyadh's international airport. These developments have disrupted flights and oil exports, according to reports.
The military situation inside Yemen has also deteriorated. Houthi forces have reportedly made territorial advances towards Aden, the temporary capital of Yemen's internationally recognised government. Fighting has also intensified around Taiz and other strategic areas.
The developments have raised concerns about the security of the Bab el-Mandeb Strait, a strategically important waterway connecting the Red Sea with the Gulf of Aden and the wider Indian Ocean. The route is essential for international shipping and trade between Europe and Asia.
UN Special Envoy for Yemen Hans Grundberg warned in October that the country had returned to full scale war. He reported that fighting had spread across several frontlines, including areas around Taiz, Lahj, Marib, Al Jawf and Hajjah.
The UN Security Council has condemned the Houthi military escalation and called for an end to attacks affecting civilians and civilian infrastructure. It has also reaffirmed its support for Yemen's internationally recognised government and a negotiated political settlement.
Meanwhile, the humanitarian situation is becoming increasingly serious, particularly in Taiz, where fighting and restrictions on access have disrupted essential services.
According to the United Nations Population Fund (UNFPA), more than 13,000 pregnant women in Taiz are without access to essential healthcare. The organisation has also warned that approximately 147,000 women and girls of childbearing age have been affected by the loss of essential healthcare services.
Only five of 27 emergency maternal and neonatal facilities are partially functioning, increasing the risks for pregnant women and newborn babies.
Restrictions on important supply routes have also disrupted humanitarian assistance. More than 800,000 people in Taiz and surrounding areas have been cut off from food assistance, according to the World Food Programme.
Yemen's current phase of civil war began in 2014 when Houthi forces seized the capital, Sanaa, and expanded their control across the country. Saudi Arabia led a military coalition in 2015 in support of Yemen's internationally recognised government.
A United Nations brokered truce in 2022 reduced fighting, but it did not resolve the underlying conflict.
Iran has supported the Houthi movement, while Saudi Arabia has viewed the group's military capabilities and relationship with Tehran as major security concerns.
The latest diplomatic initiative also comes as Saudi Arabia strengthens its defence cooperation with Pakistan and Türkiye. The three countries signed a mutual defence agreement in Mecca in August 2026 to strengthen security cooperation.
Despite renewed diplomatic contacts, the continued military confrontation shows that a lasting settlement remains uncertain. The success of regional efforts will depend on whether the countries involved can translate diplomatic discussions into concrete steps to reduce fighting and protect civilians.