EXCLUSIVE: China presses Iran to help rein in Houthis after Saudi appeal, sources say
China is pressing Iran to help restrain Houthi rebels after a Saudi appeal, while Tehran links any Houthi de-escalation to the United States. Meanwhile, Iranian Foreign Minister Abbas Araqchi cautioned that potential Egyptian intervention could worsen regional tensions. Tehran reports no reply from Saudi Arabia or the Houthis regarding its mediation offer, though talks with Saudi Arabia, Pakistan and Turkey also touched on a collective course of action should an Iran-US war resume. A reported Saudi offer of $1 billion to the Houthis through an Iran-brokered deal remains unconfirmed.
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- ✓ China is pushing Iran to help restrain Houthi rebels following a Saudi appeal.
- ✓ Iranian Foreign Minister Abbas Araqchi cautioned that potential Egyptian intervention could worsen regional tensions.
- ✓ Talks with Saudi Arabia, Pakistan and Turkey touched on a collective course of action should an Iran-US war resume.
What changed
Recent talks in Tehran revealed that Iran links Houthi de-escalation to the United States and addressed contingency plans for a resumed Iran-US war.
Live updates
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Iran Links Houthi De-escalation to US as Saudi Peace Offer Emerges
China is pressing Iran to help restrain Houthi rebels after a Saudi appeal, while Tehran links any Houthi de-escalation to the United States. Meanwhile, Iranian Foreign Minister Abbas Araqchi cautioned that potential Egyptian intervention could worsen regional tensions. Tehran reports no reply from Saudi Arabia or the Houthis regarding its mediation offer, though talks with Saudi Arabia, Pakistan and Turkey also touched on a collective course of action should an Iran-US war resume. A reported Saudi offer of $1 billion to the Houthis through an Iran-brokered deal remains unconfirmed.
Why it matters
Regional diplomacy involves multiple external powers attempting to halt Houthi strikes targeting Saudi territory, which previously included intercepted ballistic missiles causing damage from falling debris in the capital. Tehran maintains that its proposal for dialogue remains open despite a lack of engagement from Riyadh or the rebel group. At the same time, discussions with Saudi Arabia, Pakistan and Turkey address potential wider military escalations involving the United States.
What is confirmed
- China is pushing Iran to help restrain Houthi rebels following a Saudi appeal.
- Iranian Foreign Minister Abbas Araqchi cautioned that potential Egyptian intervention could worsen regional tensions.
- Talks with Saudi Arabia, Pakistan and Turkey touched on a collective course of action should an Iran-US war resume.
Still unconfirmed
- Saudi Arabia has reportedly offered $1 billion to the Houthis through an Iran-brokered deal to secure a ceasefire and halt attacks on the kingdom.
What to watch next
- Any official confirmation of the reported $1 billion Saudi financial offer to the Houthis
- Responses from Saudi Arabia or the Houthis to Iran's mediation offer
- Further diplomatic developments involving China, Pakistan, Turkey and Iran regarding regional security
confidence 85%Sources used for this update (2)
- www.thenationalnews.com — Inside Tehran talks: Iranians link Houthi de-escalation to US ...
- www.timesnownews.com — $1 Billion For Peace? Saudi Arabia's Reported Offer To ...
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China Pressures Iran Over Houthis Following Saudi Appeal
China is pushing Iran to help restrain Houthi rebels following a Saudi appeal, adding diplomatic weight to efforts to calm regional hostilities. The intervention follows an escalation of Houthi strikes targeting Saudi territory, which included intercepted ballistic missiles causing damage from falling debris in the capital. Meanwhile, a diplomatic stalemate persists as Tehran reports no reply from Saudi Arabia or the Houthis regarding its mediation offer. Iranian Foreign Minister Abbas Araqchi cautioned that potential Egyptian intervention could worsen regional tensions while maintaining that Tehran's proposal for dialogue remains open despite a lack of engagement from Riyadh or the rebel group.
Why it matters
Houthi attacks against Saudi Arabia threaten Red Sea security and complicate broader diplomatic efforts between Riyadh and its regional partners, including Iran. Prince Khalid bin Salman visited Tehran alongside representatives of countries connected to the Mecca defence pact as diplomatic channels sought a ceasefire. The ongoing conflict underscores the delicate balance of regional power involving Saudi Arabia, Iran, and external actors like China.
What is confirmed
- Saudi Arabia's foreign ministry confirmed that Prince Khalid bin Salman visited Tehran alongside representatives of countries met with the Mecca defence pact.
- Falling debris from the interception of two ballistic missiles caused damage to a building in the capital.
- Iranian Foreign Minister Abbas Araqchi confirmed that Tehran received no reply from Saudi Arabia or Yemen's Houthis regarding its offer to mediate an end to the conflict.
Still unconfirmed
- Saudi Arabia offered the Houthis $1 billion in an Iran-mediated ceasefire proposal.
What to watch next
- Any formal response from Saudi Arabia or the Houthis to Iran's mediation offer
- Concrete diplomatic steps from China or Iran regarding Houthi restraint
- Further developments concerning Egyptian intervention in regional hostilities
confidence 90%Sources used for this update (4)
- www.al-monitor.com — China - AL-MONITOR: The Middle Eastʼs leading independent ...
- www.hindustantimes.com — Saudi Arabia offered Houthis $1 billion in Iran-mediated ...
- www.thenationalnews.com — Middle East latest: Iran and Makkah defence pact countries ...
- orfme.org — Squeezing Riyadh: The Houthis Take a Leaf Out of Iran’s ...
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Iran Awaits Response on Yemen Talks as Regional Tensions Persist
Tehran has received no reply from Saudi Arabia or Yemen's Houthis regarding its offer to mediate an end to the ongoing conflict. Iranian Foreign Minister Abbas Araqchi confirmed the lack of response during a television interview. Araqchi also cautioned that potential Egyptian intervention could worsen the regional hostilities. Meanwhile, the diplomatic stalemate continues following an escalation of Houthi strikes targeting Saudi territory earlier this month. Tehran maintains that its proposal to facilitate dialogue remains open, though neither Riyadh nor the rebel group has engaged with the initiative.
Why it matters
The diplomatic initiative follows prior pressure from Beijing on Tehran to rein in the rebel forces after a direct appeal from Riyadh. Saudi officials have previously accused Iran of arming and advising the Houthis, while Tehran consistently denies encouraging the attacks. The United Nations Security Council has condemned the surge in cross-border missile and drone strikes intercepted by Saudi defense forces.
What is confirmed
- Iran has not received a response from Saudi Arabia or Yemen's Houthis to its offer to help broker talks, according to Iranian Foreign Minister Abbas Araqchi.
- Tehran warned that potential Egyptian intervention in the war against the Houthis could further escalate the conflict.
Still unconfirmed
- Egypt is considering joining Saudi Arabia in the war against the Houthis.
What to watch next
- Any formal response from Saudi Arabia or Yemen's Houthis to the Iranian mediation offer.
- Indications of whether Egypt will join military operations alongside Saudi Arabia against the Houthis.
confidence 100%Sources used for this update (4)
- www.al-monitor.com — Iran says Saudi Arabia, Houthis have not answered mediation offer
- www.jpost.com — Iran says Saudi Arabia, Houthis have not answered mediation offer
- www.middleeasteye.net — Can Iran negotiate between Saudi Arabia and the Houthis?
- www.yahoo.com — Iran says Saudi Arabia, Houthis have not answered mediation offer
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Iran Offers Mediation as Riyadh Accuses Tehran of Houthi Backing
Iran has denied encouraging Houthi attacks against Saudi Arabia while offering to mediate the conflict between Riyadh and Yemen's rebel forces. Saudi officials accuse Tehran of inciting the violence and providing tactical guidance and intelligence to target the kingdom and allied forces. Meanwhile, the United Nations Security Council condemned the escalating strikes as Riyadh reported intercepting incoming missiles and drones. The diplomatic friction persists despite Beijing previously pressing Tehran to control the group following a direct appeal from Saudi Arabia.
Why it matters
The standoff highlights regional friction as a Saudi-backed military campaign in Yemen collides with persistent rebel strikes on Saudi airports. Beijing maintains significant leverage over Tehran, given that Chinese purchases accounted for more than 80 percent of Iran seaborne oil exports in 2025, averaging about 1.4 million barrels per day. Riyadh maintains that the escalation is deliberately stoked by Tehran to boost regional tensions.
What is confirmed
- Iran has denied encouraging Houthi attacks on Saudi Arabia.
- Riyadh accused Tehran of supporting attacks on its territory and encouraging recent escalation against the kingdom.
- The UN Security Council condemned the escalating strikes.
- Riyadh reported intercepting missiles and drones.
Still unconfirmed
- Iran has provided Yemen's Houthi rebels with intelligence and tactical guidance to help them target Saudi Arabia and forces allied with Riyadh.
What to watch next
- Whether Beijing applies additional pressure on Tehran regarding oil trade and regional stability.
- Any formal diplomatic engagement between Riyadh and Tehran concerning the Houthi mediation offer.
confidence 90%Sources used for this update (4)
- www.wionews.com — Iran supports 'political process', offers to mediate between ...
- www.wionews.com — Iran rejects Saudi allegations of backing Houthi attacks ...
- timesofindia.indiatimes.com — Iran helping Houthis: How Tehran is hitting Saudi Arabia ...
- www.channelnewsasia.com — Iran denies Saudi accusation of involvement in Houthi attacks
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China Urges Iran to Control Houthis Following Saudi Appeal
Beijing has privately urged Tehran to control Houthi forces following a direct appeal from Saudi Arabia, as a Saudi-backed military campaign in Yemen collides with relentless rebel attacks on Saudi airports. A senior Saudi Foreign Ministry official accuses Iran of encouraging the escalation to boost regional tensions, while Tehran warns that military solutions complicate an already volatile situation. Meanwhile, Chinese purchases accounted for more than 80 percent of Iran seaborne oil exports in 2025, averaging about 1.4 million barrels per day.
Why it matters
China has served as Iran largest trading partner for more than a decade and remains its main buyer of oil, giving Beijing unique diplomatic leverage. Regional powers are racing to protect international shipping lanes as Houthi territorial expansion and maritime threats across the Red Sea and the Bab el Mandeb strait continue. The latest fighting exposes Saudi challenges in intercepting ongoing drone and missile strikes while rattling global markets.
What is confirmed
- China has privately urged Tehran to control the Houthi militia following a direct appeal from Saudi Arabia.
- A senior Saudi Foreign Ministry official alleged that Iran is encouraging Houthi rebels to increase regional tensions.
- China accounted for more than 80 percent of Iran seaborne oil exports in 2025, averaging about 1.4 million barrels per day.
- Yemen's Saudi-backed government launched a major military campaign against Houthi forces alongside ongoing airport attacks.
Still unconfirmed
- Iran's government is encouraging the latest escalation in attacks by the Tehran-backed Houthi rebels and is not ready to make necessary concessions in the wider war.
What to watch next
- Whether Beijing applies economic leverage through oil purchases to force a change in Tehran policy.
- The military outcome of the Saudi-backed campaign against Houthi forces in Yemen.
confidence 90%Sources used for this update (6)
- www.aljazeera.com — Iran-Saudi talks on Yemen’s Houthis: What’s in it for Tehran? | Explainer News | Al Jazeera
- www.pbs.org — Saudi diplomat says Iran is encouraging Houthi escalation of attacks on the kingdom
- www.wionews.com — China urges Iran to rein in Houthis after Saudi Arabia’s ...
- chinamed.substack.com — The Chinese Debate on the Houthi-Saudi Escalation in Yemen
- www.yahoo.com — Saudi diplomat says Iran encourages Houthi escalation of ...
- english.globalarabnetwork.com — Saudi Official Accuses Iran of Encouraging Houthi Escalation
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Saudi-Led Coalition Bombs Houthis as Beijing Pressures Tehran
Yemen's Saudi-backed government launched a major military campaign against Houthi forces, bombing the Iran-backed rebels as attacks on Saudi airports continued for a third consecutive day. The escalation follows a direct Saudi appeal prompting Beijing to privately urge Tehran to control the militia. Chinese dual-use components and Iranian weapons have previously fueled Houthi territorial expansion and maritime threats across the Red Sea and the Bab el Mandeb strait. Houthi leaders warned Riyadh to prepare for a protracted conflict as regional powers scramble to protect international shipping lanes.
Why it matters
The conflict threatens critical maritime choke points utilized by international commerce. Tehran and Beijing maintain deep ties to the militant faction, with Iranian advisers and foreign supply chains bolstering rebel military gains. Regional dynamics shifted as Riyadh appealed directly to Beijing to leverage its relationship with Iran and rein in the group.
What is confirmed
- A Saudi-led coalition launched a major campaign of airstrikes against Iran-backed Houthi rebels in Yemen.
- Iranian weapons and Chinese dual-use components have helped the Houthis expand territory and threaten Red Sea shipping.
- Houthi forces targeted Saudi airports and military facilities for a third consecutive day.
Still unconfirmed
- Beijing is privately urging Tehran to control the Houthi rebels following a direct appeal from Saudi Arabia.
What to watch next
- Whether the Saudi-led bombing campaign forces Houthi leadership to halt attacks on Saudi airports.
- Evidence of Beijing or Tehran taking concrete steps to restrict supplies to the Houthi militia.
confidence 90%Sources used for this update (4)
- www.csmonitor.com — Houthi militia now leads Iran’s ‘Axis.’ But how much can Tehran count on it?
- www.iranintl.com — Iranian weapons, Chinese supplies fuel Houthi advance in Yemen - WSJ | Iran International
- www.latimes.com — A Saudi-led coalition bombs Iran-backed Houthi rebels in ...
- www.cnn.com — Iran-backed Houthis target Saudi airports for third straight day as they warn of long conflict
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Yemen Government Launches Offensive as China Presses Iran on Houthis
Yemen's Saudi-backed government has initiated a major military operation to push back against recent gains by the Houthi militant group. This comes as Beijing privately urges Tehran to control the rebels following a direct appeal from Saudi Arabia. Iranian advisers and China-supplied parts have previously bolstered the Houthis, enabling them to capture the Red Sea coast and dominate the Bab el Mandeb strait. The ongoing conflict threatens international shipping lanes, prompting intense diplomatic maneuvers by regional powers and Beijing to curtail the maritime threat.
Why it matters
The Houthi movement has expanded its tactical capabilities through foreign training and supplied hardware, allowing the group to exert control over a critical global maritime corridor. Saudi Arabia faces direct security risks from these border and coastal developments, motivating Riyadh to seek diplomatic intervention from Beijing. China maintains economic ties with both Gulf states and Iran, positioning it as an external actor capable of exerting leverage in Tehran.
What is confirmed
- Yemen's Saudi-backed government has announced the beginning of a major military operation to turn back recent advances by the Houthi militant group.
Still unconfirmed
- China has privately asked Tehran to help rein in Yemen's Houthis following an appeal from Saudi Arabia.
- Iranian advisers have helped the Houthis capture the Red Sea coast and control the strategic Bab el Mandeb waterway.
- China-supplied parts and Iranian training have transformed the rebels into a Red Sea power as they tighten control over the maritime corridor.
What to watch next
- Results of the newly announced military operation by Yemen's Saudi-backed government against Houthi positions.
- Any official diplomatic response or policy shift from Tehran following China's reported request.
confidence 80%Sources used for this update (2)
- en.wiktionary.org — exclusive - Wiktionary, the free dictionary
- www.cnn.com — Yemen’s Saudi-backed government announces major offensive against Iran-backed Houthis
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China Presses Iran to Rein in Houthis Following Saudi Appeal
China has privately asked Tehran to help rein in Yemen's Houthis following an appeal from Saudi Arabia. The diplomatic intervention follows a military blitz by the Iran-backed group over the past week. Iranian advisers have helped the Houthis capture the Red Sea coast and control the strategic Bab el Mandeb waterway. And China-supplied parts and Iranian training have transformed the rebels into a Red Sea power as they tighten control over the maritime corridor.
Why it matters
The escalation highlights shifting diplomatic pressures on Tehran as commercial and security disruptions mount in crucial shipping lanes. Saudi Arabia previously appealed to Beijing after attacks ignited fires at oil facilities and wounded dozens. Regional shipping security depends heavily on controlling maritime choke points like Bab el Mandeb.
What is confirmed
- China has privately asked Tehran to help rein in Yemen's Houthis after an appeal by Saudi Arabia, according to three Iranian sources.
- Iran's training and China-supplied parts have turned Yemen's Houthis into a Red Sea power.
- Iranian advisers helped the Houthis capture the Red Sea coast and control the strategic Bab el Mandeb waterway.
What to watch next
- Whether Iran agrees to pressure the Houthi forces.
- Any shifts in Red Sea shipping control or maritime attacks.
- Official public statements from Beijing or Tehran regarding the private diplomatic talks.
confidence 100%Sources used for this update (4)
- www.aljazeera.com — Houthis | Today's latest from Al Jazeera
- biz.chosun.com — Iran builds and China equips Houthis as rebels tighten Red Sea control
- www.ap.org — AP report unveils how Iranian advisers helped Yemen’s Houthis ...
- www.thedailystar.net — China presses Iran to help rein in Houthis after Saudi appeal
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China Pressing Iran to Curb Houthi Attacks
China is pressing Iran to help rein in Houthi forces following an appeal from Saudi Arabia, as attacks by the Iran-backed group ignite fires at oil facilities and wound 73 people. Saudi Arabia's top cleric has urged military forces to defend the country against the escalating threat from neighboring Yemen. Meanwhile, Iran has offered to reopen the Strait of Hormuz and resume nuclear talks on the sidelines of the United Nations General Assembly while downplaying its role in Houthi actions.
Why it matters
Previous reports indicated that regional instability is intensifying as maritime chokepoints and energy infrastructure face direct threats. Diplomatic pressure from Beijing follows direct appeals from Riyadh regarding the persistent security risks emanating from Yemen.
What is confirmed
- China is pressing Iran to help rein in Houthi forces following an appeal from Saudi Arabia.
- Attacks by the Iran-backed group ignite fires at oil facilities and wound 73 people.
- Saudi Arabia's top cleric has urged military forces to defend the country against the escalating threat from neighboring Yemen.
- Iran has offered to reopen the Strait of Hormuz and resume nuclear talks on the sidelines of the United Nations General Assembly while downplaying its role in Houthi actions.
What to watch next
- Any official response from Tehran regarding Beijing's diplomatic push.
- Further developments on the status of the Strait of Hormuz.
confidence 100%Sources used for this update (6)
- exclusivemi.com — Exclusive Cannabis | Michigan's Top Rated Cannabis Dispensaries
- dictionary.cambridge.org — EXCLUSIVE | English meaning - Cambridge Dictionary
- www.dictionary.com — EXCLUSIVE Definition & Meaning | Dictionary.com
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- exclusivefurniture.com — Exclusive Furniture | Affordable Furniture & Mattresses in...
- www.thesaurus.com — EXCLUSIVE Synonyms & Antonyms - 110 words | Thesaurus.com
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China Presses Iran Over Houthi Attacks as Saudi Arabia Faces Fires
China is pressing Iran to help rein in Houthi forces following an appeal from Saudi Arabia, as attacks by the Iran-backed group ignite fires at oil facilities and wound 73 people. Saudi Arabia's top cleric has urged military forces to defend the country against the escalating threat from neighboring Yemen. Meanwhile, Iran has offered to reopen the Strait of Hormuz and resume nuclear talks on the sidelines of the United Nations General Assembly while downplaying its role in Houthi actions.
Why it matters
The diplomatic push by Beijing comes as Saudi Arabia seeks alternative security partners to protect vital shipping lanes and manage regional instability. These developments follow Houthi strikes on Saudi territory that have heightened Red Sea tensions. State media has called for restraint and negotiations to prevent further conflict expansion.
What is confirmed
- Iranian-backed Houthi rebels launched attacks on Saudi Arabia that wounded 73 people and ignited fires at oil facilities.
- Saudi Arabia's top cleric urged troops to defend the country against the Houthi rebels.
- Iran offered to reopen the Strait of Hormuz and resume talks on its nuclear program from the sidelines of the U.N. General Assembly.
Still unconfirmed
- China is leveraging its relationship with Tehran to stabilize the region following a request for assistance from Saudi Arabia.
What to watch next
- Whether Iran follows through on offers to resume nuclear talks and reopen the Strait of Hormuz.
- Any concrete steps taken by Beijing to influence Houthi operations through Tehran.
- Further military responses from Saudi forces or clergy regarding the oil facility attacks.
confidence 90%Sources used for this update (4)
- www.wfmz.com — Houthi attacks on Saudi Arabia ignite fires at oil facilities and wound 73 people
- www.mercurynews.com — Top Saudi cleric urges troops to defend against the Houthis, and other Mideast developments
- www.aljazeera.com — Iran downplays possible role in Houthis’ recent Yemen ...
- www.arkansasonline.com — Iran offers talks as Saudi Arabia confronts Houthis
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China pressures Iran to curb Houthi activity following Saudi appeal
China is urging Iran to rein in Houthi forces after receiving a request for assistance from Saudi Arabia. This diplomatic push follows Houthi attacks on Saudi territory and rising tensions in the Red Sea. While Chinese state media calls for restraint and negotiations to prevent further conflict escalation, reports indicate Beijing is leveraging its relationship with Tehran to stabilize the region. This shift occurs as Saudi Arabia seeks alternative security partners to protect vital shipping chokepoints in the Red Sea.
Why it matters
The Houthis threaten critical maritime trade routes in the Red Sea, impacting global energy security. Saudi Arabia has previously sought U.S. support to combat these threats, but reports indicate a shift toward Chinese diplomacy after a request for U.S. help was declined.
What is confirmed
- China is pressing Iran to help rein in the Houthis following an appeal from Saudi Arabia.
- China has expressed concern over rising tensions in the Red Sea and Yemen.
- Chinese state media has called for negotiations and restraint to prevent the escalation of conflict.
Still unconfirmed
- Donald Trump declined a Saudi request to fight the Houthis.
- Oil prices slid as a result of China pressing Iran to rein in the Houthis.
What to watch next
- Official confirmation from Tehran regarding the Chinese request
- Evidence of reduced Houthi activity in the Red Sea
- Formal diplomatic statements from Saudi Arabia regarding Chinese mediation
confidence 85%Sources used for this update (14)
- Reuters — EXCLUSIVE: China presses Iran to help rein in Houthis after Saudi appeal, sources say
- The Times of Israel — China pressing Iran to help rein in Houthis after Saudi appeal, sources say
- Devdiscourse — China's Secret Diplomacy: Balancing Influence and Energy Security
- China Daily Global Edition — China voices concern over rising tensions in Yemen and the Red Sea
- bastillepost.com — China calls for restraint, negotiations as Red Sea tensions escalate
- Seeking Alpha — China urges Iran to control Houthis post attack on Saudi Arabia- reports
- global.chinadaily.com.cn — Escalation of conflict must be prevented: China Daily editorial
- Investing.com — China urges Iran to rein in Houthis after Saudi request - Reuters
- The Times of Israel — China pressing Iran to help rein in Houthis after Saudi appeal, Iranian sources say
- Business Insider Africa — China emerges as Saudi Arabia’s latest lifeline after Trump declines request to fight Houthis threatening vital Red Sea chokepoint
- The Times of India — China Iran Relations: China asks Iran to rein in Houthis after Saudi Arabia seeks help: Report
- Crude Oil Prices Today | OilPrice.com — Oil Prices Slide as China Presses Iran to Rein In the Houthis
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