Houthi, others strike Saudi, Jordan with drones; Trump tested again

Drone attacks targeting Saudi Arabia and Jordan have occurred while the United States has paused its military actions against Iran, presenting a new test for President Donald Trump's strategy. These incidents unfolded as tensions remain high in the Middle East, despite a temporary de-escalation in direct U.S.-Iran military engagement.

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The mediators can convey messages from the U.S. side to us regarding the situation in the region. But currently, we are not engaged in any negotiations with the U.S. side.

Saudi Arabia announced on Sunday that it had intercepted multiple drones aimed at oil facilities in its eastern region and the capital, Riyadh. The Saudi government stated that the drones were launched by Iran-backed Iraqi militias and asserted its right to respond. While the Saudi Ministry of Defense reported no casualties or damage, Yemen's Houthi rebels, who are aligned with Iran, claimed responsibility for an attack on an oil transfer facility connecting Saudi Arabia's eastern region with the major Red Sea port of Yanbu. The Houthis described this as retaliation for Saudi drone incursions into Yemeni airspace.

Jordan and Iraq also reported drone attacks on the same day, though the perpetrators were not immediately identified. Analysts suggest these coordinated attacks on Iran's neighbors may be an attempt by Tehran to test Trump's recent strategic shift away from direct military confrontation. The U.S. has not issued an immediate response to these latest incidents.

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We have not requested to resume negotiations with the U.S.

Both the U.S. and Iran have ceased direct attacks on each other over the weekend. This pause is attributed to President Trump's decision to allow time for negotiations with Iran, possibly influenced by concerns from military leaders regarding U.S. air defense weapon stocks. Reports indicate progress in mediation efforts by Qatar and Pakistan, aiming to bring the U.S. and Iran back to the negotiating table and avert a wider conflict. However, Iran's Foreign Ministry spokesperson, Esmaeil Baghaei, stated that while mediators are relaying messages, Iran is not currently engaged in direct negotiations with the U.S. and has not requested to resume talks.

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We will independently establish a safe navigation mechanism with Oman that respects the sovereignty of both countries.