Iran and Saudi Diplomats Discuss Regional 'Insecurity' Amid Yemen Fighting

The diplomatic relationship between Iran and Saudi Arabia remains tense as the two countries discuss regional 'insecurity' amid ongoing fighting in Yemen. The top diplomats of both nations spoke by phone on Thursday, with Iranian Foreign Minister Abbas Araghchi addressing the escalation of tensions and growing insecurity in the region.

The call between Araghchi and his Saudi counterpart Faisal bin Farhan came as the Houthis, backed by Iran, seized control of the strategic Red Sea port city of Mocha. Saudi Arabia has been carrying out airstrikes on the group since they began their advance. The two countries have also been at odds over the wider Middle East war, which saw Tehran launch strikes on Saudi oil infrastructure.

The Iranian foreign ministry said the two parties 'emphasised the need to continue cooperation and diplomatic efforts in order to prevent the spread of tensions and reestablish stability' in the region. A separate statement from the ministry addressing the fighting in Yemen insisted it was 'impossible to resolve the Yemeni crisis through... military intervention.'