Saudi Arabia has issued a rare public accusation against Iran, alleging that Tehran is encouraging Houthi rebels in Yemen to escalate attacks against the kingdom. Rayed Krimly, the Saudi deputy minister for public diplomacy, stated that these strikes—which have targeted key oil installations and airports—directly violate the terms of the 2023 rapprochement deal intended to normalize relations between the two regional powers.

This development marks a significant shift in the diplomatic landscape, as the 2023 agreement was widely viewed as a breakthrough for regional stability. Saudi officials argue that the Houthis, who are part of a broader network of Iran-aligned groups known as the "Axis of Resistance," would not be escalating their military operations without support or encouragement from Tehran.

In response to these allegations, Iran has denied any involvement in the Houthi attacks. While the Houthis maintain their own operational autonomy, they are frequently categorized by international observers as part of a coalition that includes Hezbollah in Lebanon and various armed groups in Iraq, all of which share a common opposition to Israel. The Saudi government’s decision to go public with these accusations suggests a growing frustration with the current state of the diplomatic deal and raises questions about the future of the Saudi-Iran detente.