Saudi Arabia offered Houthis $1 billion through Iran to stop attacks: Report

Riyadh, Saudi Arabia experienced fresh explosions overnight, coinciding with text message warnings to residents, following Iran-allied Houthis' claim of a new attack on the Saudi capital's international airport. As senior officials from Saudi Arabia, Turkey, and Pakistan prepare to hold crucial talks with Iran in Tehran on Monday, tensions are escalating ahead of Israel's crucial election on Tuesday and the US mid-terms next week.

The US, Iran, and Israel have all warned of the possibility of renewed hostilities. The meeting in Tehran may be the last opportunity to impose a path of de-escalation before it becomes too late, according to Saudi security analyst Hesham Alghannam. This historic gathering features military and security figures at a high level, indicating a limited window for potential de-escalation efforts, Alghannam added.

Serious tensions persist, with Saudi Arabia and its allies launching airstrikes against Houthi missile launchers and storage facilities in Yemen, while the Houthis continue to target Saudi military installations, including the international airport. Mediation efforts between the US and Iran have been led by Qatar and Pakistan, with a Qatari delegation visiting Tehran earlier in the day.

Prince Khalid bin Salman, the Saudi Defence Minister, is among the delegation to Tehran, signifying the kingdom's willingness to engage directly with Iran. Iran's Security Chief, Mohsen Rezaei, will participate in the meeting alongside Pakistani Army Chief General Asim Munir and Turkish Intelligence Chief Ibrahim Kalin. Iran's Foreign Minister, Abbas Araghchi, has stated that Tehran's policies remain unchanged, while US President Donald Trump has hinted at a potential military response.

Israeli Prime Minister Benjamin Netanyahu has warned Iran against disrupting the Israeli elections, where he is running for re-election.