New Delhi. Amidst the ongoing tension between Saudi Arabia and Houthi rebels of Yemen, discussions have come to light regarding an economic offer of $ 1 billion. Diplomatic sources in the Gulf region claim that Saudi Arabia may propose to give this amount through Iran to stop the attacks of Houthis. It is reported that Saudi Defense Minister Prince Khalid bin Salman traveled to Iran for talks on ceasefire. However, Saudi Arabian officials have neither confirmed this alleged payment nor given information about the transfer of the money.
This conversation is taking place at a time when claims are being made by Houthi rebels to target Saudi Arabia's oil facilities. According to the report, the purpose of the Saudi Defense Minister's visit to Iran is to reduce regional tensions and explore possibilities of a ceasefire with the Houthis.
Claim of sending money to Houthis through Iran
According to diplomatic sources in the Gulf region, under the proposed agreement, Saudi Arabia may offer $1 billion to the Houthis through Iran. Sources claimed that the Saudi Defense Minister had reached Tehran by 'Hercules' military transport aircraft with this amount. However, this claim has not been independently verified and Saudi authorities have not confirmed any financial transactions.
The report said Turkish intelligence chief Ibrahim Kalin and Pakistan's army chief Asim Munir were also involved in the talks. This visit has taken place amid developments related to the Mecca Defense Agreement. According to the report, Pakistan and Türkiye have so far provided military advisors to Saudi Arabia instead of sending additional forces. The agreement provides for providing military assistance to each other in case of attack on member countries.
Iran offered mediation
Iran has offered to mediate between Saudi Arabia and the Houthi rebels. According to the official statement of the Saudi Foreign Ministry, the visit to Iran by Defense Minister Prince Khalid bin Salman and representatives of the member countries of the Mecca United Defense Coalition is aimed at reducing the ongoing tension in the region.
However, Saudi officials have not clarified whether any amount has been agreed to be given to the Houthis. In such a situation, the alleged offer of $1 billion is currently limited to the claims of diplomatic sources.
Controversy over three year old agreements
According to the report, one of the reasons for the dispute between the Houthis and Saudi Arabia is the issue of implementing the agreements made about three years ago. Under these agreements, there was talk of direct financial assistance to the Houthis from Saudi Arabia. The money was to be used to pay salaries to government employees and rebuild civilian facilities and infrastructure in areas under Houthi control. In return, the Houthis were expected to abide by the ceasefire and stop attacks on Saudi Arabia.
In recent months, the Houthis have claimed that Saudi Arabia has withdrawn from these agreements. The report also alleges that Iran is supporting the Houthis by providing them with weapons and in other ways. However, the relationship between these claims and current developments requires independent confirmation.
Trying to restore oil exports?
The report also sees the Tehran meeting as a diplomatic challenge for Saudi Arabia. According to this, Saudi Arabia may consider giving some concessions to completely restore oil exports and reduce the risk of attacks. But the $1 billion offer, its payment and the terms of any potential agreement have not been officially confirmed.
At present, the main objective of the talks is said to be to reduce regional tension and explore possibilities of ceasefire. The future situation will depend on whether a concrete agreement is agreed upon between Saudi Arabia, Iran and the Houthi rebels.