ERBIL, Kurdistan Region of Iraq – Iran on Monday expressed “deep concern” over the escalation between Saudi Arabia and Yemen’s Iran-backed Houthis, offering to help resolve the conflict amid deadly attacks from both sides.

“We are deeply concerned about the continuation of tensions in the Arabian Peninsula and have declared our readiness to help facilitate dialogue and resolve disputes,” Iranian foreign ministry spokesperson Esmail Baghaei told a presser.

He added that the warring sides should have resolved the conflict “long ago” based on a previous agreement that collapsed in July, while its continuation “solely serves” Israel.

The conflict had remained largely dormant since a United Nations-brokered ceasefire in 2022. The deal collapsed in July, when the Houthis blamed Saudi Arabia for an airstrike on Sanaa airport, leading to a large-scale offensive by the rebel group.

“At that time, we expressed our serious concern that this incident could lead to a worsening of the situation. Unfortunately, we are now witnessing such a situation,” Baghaei said.

During a phone call with his Saudi counterpart Faisal bin Farhan on Sunday, Iranian Foreign Minister Abbas Araghchi offered to help initiate dialogue between Saudi Arabia and Yemen to “facilitate a political solution to the crisis.”

Araghchi stressed “Iran’s readiness to provide any assistance to help launch dialogue between Saudi Arabia and Yemen and facilitate a political settlement,” according to Iran’s semi-official Tasnim news agency.

The Iran-backed rebel group was estimated to have around 350,000 fighters last year. It has recently ramped up strikes targeting airports and energy facilities deep within Saudi territory. 

On Sunday, an attack on Riyadh airport killed a dozen people and injured over 300 others, considered the deadliest since a 2015 suicide bombing.

The war has also seen particular attention on the strategic Bab al-Mandab Strait in the Red Sea, which the Houthis have closed off for Saudi maritime traffic. 

That, accompanied by Iran’s closure of the vital Strait of Hormuz, has given the Iran-led regional axis additional leverage over a critical part of the global economy.

On Saturday, US President Donald Trump said Washington might join Saudi Arabia in its war against the Houthis.

Last week, Turkey and Pakistan announced they will deploy military forces to Saudi Arabia amid the Houthi attacks. Turkey’s parliament has yet to ratify the agreement, and Ankara is assessing possible defensive assistance, including air defense, electronic warfare, and technical support.

Meanwhile, Syria is also weighing military support for Saudi Arabia, according to Axios on Wednesday, citing three US officials.