Saudi Arabia tells US it wants to ease tensions with Iran and handle Houthi issue itself

Saudi Arabia has conveyed to the United States its preference for de-escalating tensions with Iran and managing issues related to Yemen's Houthi rebels independently. According to Axios, Saudi Defense Minister Khalid bin Salman met with U.S. Vice President J.D. Vance at the White House. During the meeting, bin Salman, who is the brother of Crown Prince Mohammed bin Salman, stated that the recent airstrikes by U.S. and Saudi forces against Iran-aligned militias in Iraq were a response to crossing a red line. He emphasized that Saudi Arabia was compelled to act but stressed that the kingdom's objective is not to escalate tensions. Instead, he conveyed the Crown Prince's message that Saudi Arabia is prepared to defend itself if necessary. Bin Salman also contrasted the Saudi approach with that of Israeli Prime Minister Benjamin Netanyahu, noting that while Israel pushes for increased tension with Iran, Saudi Arabia views de-escalation as a more constructive path. The report indicates that Saudi Arabia aims to resolve the Houthi situation in Yemen on its own terms.

“

We were compelled to respond because the attacks by Iraqi pro-Iranian militias on Saudi infrastructure and energy facilities crossed a red line.