Gulf states have postponed a crucial meeting with Iran concerning the future of the Strait of Hormuz. The delay is attributed to a lack of Arab consensus and increasing anger from Saudi Arabia, which accuses Tehran of assisting Houthi rebels in Yemen.
The stalemate over the vital waterway coincides with fresh missile and drone attacks by Houthi rebels on Saudi military targets. A Houthi military spokesperson claimed responsibility for striking the King Khalid airbase in Khamis Mushait, reportedly hitting fighter-jet hangars, radar systems, runways, landing strips, and ammunition depots.
Last week, an Iran-backed Shia militia in Iraq reportedly forced Saudi Arabia to close a critical east-west pipeline. This closure, alongside the postponement of the Hormuz meeting and the Houthi seizure of Yemen’s Red Sea coast, including the Bab al-Mandab strait, contributed to oil prices rising above $108 a barrel on Monday.
Oman’s foreign minister, Sayyid Badr Albusaidi, stated on X that the meeting was delayed in the interests of consensus, adding, “We remain committed to fostering dialogue that supports stability and lasting co-operation in our region.” The proposed agreement would have established a new temporary route for commercial shipping when the Strait of Hormuz is reopened, formalising Iran's control of the strait.
Saudi Arabia's Crown Prince Mohammed bin Salman held urgent discussions with US Central Command chief Admiral Brad Cooper in Jeddah on Monday to discuss "the latest developments in the region," according to Saudi media. Sources told US media last week that the Saudi de facto ruler had sought military assistance from Donald Trump to help fight the Houthis, with the US so far providing only logistical and intelligence backing.
Iran's foreign ministry spokesperson has denied any Iranian involvement in the pipeline attack or in events in Yemen. The UN reports that preliminary tolls indicate 150 civilians have been killed and 200 injured during the recent Houthi advance, with approximately 85,000 people displaced.