Iran backs ‘political process’ to resolve Saudi-Houthi conflict

Foreign minister Abbas Araghchi said Iran was willing to work with its neighbours to achieve shared security and avoid regional insecurity. (EPA Images pic) TEHRAN: Iranian foreign minister Abbas Araghchi said Saturday that Tehran supports a "political process" to resolve the conflict between Saudi Arabia and Yemen's Iran-backed Houthis.

The Houthis have repeatedly attacked Saudi targets, including energy facilities and Riyadh's international airport, where 13 people were killed in a major attack last week.

"We support an inclusive and comprehensive political process as the only practical and sustainable way to resolve the issue," Araghchi said in a speech at the Organisation of Islamic Cooperation in Baghdad.

Araghchi repeated Iran's offer to mediate between the two sides. Deputy foreign minister Saeed Khatibzadeh previously said Riyadh has not responded to Iran's overture.

On Friday, Iran denied having anything to do with the Houthi attacks, after Saudi Arabia accused Tehran of encouraging the group's escalation.

In his speech, Araghchi also said "either we build security together, or we will endure insecurity together," adding that Tehran was willing "to cooperate with all its brothers and neighbours to achieve the first option."

The Houthis and Hezbollah in Lebanon are part of Iran's "Axis of Resistance" against Israel and the US, which also includes armed groups in Iraq.