CNN Central News & Network-ITDC India Epress/ITDC News Bhopal: Tehran. Amid rising military tensions in the Middle East, reports have emerged of an alleged financial arrangement aimed at stopping the conflict between Saudi Arabia and Yemen’s Houthi group. According to Israeli media reports, Saudi Arabia has proposed paying the Houthis $1 billion in exchange for halting attacks and maintaining a ceasefire. It has been reported that Iran could play the role of mediator in the arrangement. However, there has been no independent confirmation of the alleged payment, and Saudi officials have not confirmed any transfer of funds.
Attention on defence minister’s Tehran visit: According to reports, Saudi Arabia’s Defence Minister Prince Khalid bin Salman arrived in Tehran on October 26. Pakistan’s army chief, Field Marshal Asim Munir, and the head of Turkey’s intelligence agency, Ibrahim Kalin, also joined the talks. From Iran’s side, President Masoud Pezeshkian and senior security officials took part in the discussions.
The Saudi Foreign Ministry described the visit as an effort to reduce regional tensions, open channels of dialogue and look for diplomatic solutions. The statement also mentioned the mediation-related roles of Qatar and Pakistan.
Tensions rise after Houthi attacks: Yemen’s Houthi group has long been involved in conflict with Saudi Arabia. Recent reports have referred to attacks targeting Saudi airports and oil facilities. These attacks have increased concerns over regional security and energy supplies. Against this backdrop, the meeting of officials from Iran, Saudi Arabia, Pakistan and Turkey is being viewed as a diplomatic effort to reduce tensions.
No official confirmation on the $1 billion claim: Israeli media reports claimed that under the proposed arrangement, Saudi Arabia could pay the Houthis $1 billion through Iran. One source also claimed that the Saudi defence minister had arrived in Tehran carrying the funds. However, no independent confirmation of this claim is available, and the Saudi side has not confirmed that any payment has been made.
For now, no official announcement of a final agreement to stop Houthi attacks has been made after the meeting. Therefore, the reported $1 billion payment should be viewed as an unconfirmed media report rather than a settled agreement.
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