Saudi Arabia’s foreign minister urges worldwide intervention to halt Iran‑backed Houthi missile and drone attacks on Riyadh, Mecca and Red Sea shipping lanes.

Saudi Arabia’s foreign minister demanded worldwide intervention on Sunday to halt attacks by the Iran‑backed Houthi movement that have hit Riyadh, Mecca and vessels navigating the Red Sea.

Recent strikes

Missiles and drones launched from Yemen reached the Saudi capital and the holy city of Mecca earlier this week, according to Saudi officials. The same wave of fire also damaged commercial ships transiting the Red Sea, a key artery for global trade.

Official statement

In a televised address, the foreign minister said, "Please stop the Houthi attacks. The world must act now to protect civilians and secure maritime routes." He added that the strikes violate international law and threaten regional stability.

The minister said Saudi Arabia will pursue diplomatic channels and seek a coordinated response from allies, regional bodies and the United Nations. He emphasized that the attacks cannot be ignored and that collective pressure is essential to deter further aggression.

Background

The Houthi rebels, who control large parts of northern Yemen, have received political and material support from Iran. Since 2015, they have periodically launched missile and drone operations against Saudi targets and international shipping in the Red Sea, citing the Saudi‑led coalition’s involvement in Yemen.

Saudi authorities have repeatedly warned that the campaign endangers civilian lives and disrupts the flow of oil and goods through one of the world’s busiest maritime corridors.

Next steps

The foreign minister indicated that a formal request for action will be presented at the next Gulf Cooperation Council meeting, where member states are expected to discuss coordinated measures.

He also urged the United Nations Security Council to convene an emergency session to address the escalation. No immediate response from the Houthi leadership has been reported.