Saudi coalition intercepts Houthi drone and missile as Iran offers to mediate

The Saudi-led coalition said it intercepted and destroyed a drone and a ballistic missile fired by Houthi rebels toward Saudi Arabia. Coalition spokesman Turki al-Malki gave the information in separate statements on social media platform X on Monday.

According to him, the drone was intercepted over the Eastern Province, while the missile was targeting the southwestern city of Khamis Mushait. Earlier on Sunday, Riyadh's King Khalid International Airport and King Fahd International Airport near Dammam had come under attack.

The Houthi group has warned travellers against using Saudi airports and airspace, and claims to have fired ballistic and cruise missiles as well as drones.

Amid the tension, Iranian Foreign Minister Seyed Abbas Araghchi held a phone conversation with Saudi Foreign Minister Prince Faisal bin Farhan on Sunday. According to Iran's state news agency IRNA, Araghchi said Iran was ready to help advance dialogue between Saudi Arabia and Yemen. He emphasised political dialogue and diplomatic initiative, saying the crisis in West Asia could not be resolved through a military path.