Russia has offered to act as a mediator between the parties in the Middle East as tensions continue to rise. Houthi attacks have hit Saudi cities, reportedly injuring at least 73 people and damaging energy facilities.
According to media reports, Russian Foreign Minister Sergei Lavrov made the offer during a meeting in Moscow with Saudi Foreign Minister Prince Faisal bin Farhan Al Saud.
Lavrov said Russia is closely watching the worsening situation in the Middle East. He added that Russia is deeply interested in helping efforts to bring stability to the region.
Russia condemns attacks on Saudi Arabia
It feels like the situation is getting more tense, and the two foreign ministers also talked about the growing tensions between Saudi Arabia and Yemen’s Houthi movement.
Prince Faisal criticised the Houthi attacks. Reaffirmed Saudi Arabia’s commitment to defending itself. Lavrov described the attacks against Saudi Arabia as unacceptable. I hear that the foreign minister is very firm on this point.
Russia keeps diplomatic ties with Saudi Arabia while also maintaining relations with Iran, giving Moscow connections with key players in the regional crisis. I see this as a balancing act.
The Saudi foreign minister also expressed Riyadh’s desire to further strengthen economic cooperation with Moscow. The foreign minister said that bilateral coordination helps bring stability to energy markets, and I think that is important.
Prince Faisal said that Saudi Arabia and Russia cooperate closely in the crude oil market. This cooperation helps balance supply and demand and protects the interests of both producers and consumers, and I feel that this is a step towards stability.
Houthi attacks reportedly leave 73 people injured
The Russian offer comes at a time when the security situation in the region is worsening. This follows a period of calm after the 2022 ceasefire in Yemen.
The Houthis have carried out drone and missile attacks on southern Saudi cities, including Abha, Khamis Mushait, Najran and Jazan. These attacks have reportedly injured at 73 people.
The attacks also led to fires at Saudi energy sites. Among the facilities is the Jazan oil refinery, according to reports.
Additionally, the Houthis have recently said they plan to step up their operations against Saudi-linked shipping. They also intend to target traffic in the Red Sea.
Oil markets come under fresh pressure
The rising tensions are happening during a continuing conflict between the United States and Iran. This conflict has also created worries about the Strait of Hormuz. The Strait of Hormuz is one of the important sea paths in the world for moving energy supplies.
Problems with moving oil have made people more worried in energy markets around the world. Brent crude oil is said to be reaching $99 per barrel.
