Saudi Arabia reportedly offers $1 billion to Houthis for ceasefire

Saudi Arabia is reportedly offering $1 billion to the Houthi movement in Yemen to secure a ceasefire, according to diplomatic sources in the Persian Gulf. The proposed deal, mediated by Iran, involves transferring the funds to the group via Tehran.

Saudi Defense Minister Prince Khalid bin Salman reportedly traveled to Tehran to negotiate the truce. Some sources claim the funds were transported via a military Hercules aircraft, though Saudi officials have not confirmed the transfer. The discussions involve high-level regional actors, including Turkish intelligence chief Ibrahim Kalin and Pakistan's Army Chief General Asim Munir.

This diplomatic effort comes amid heightened tensions, as Houthi forces recently claimed a ballistic missile strike on the Ras Tanura oil refinery, Saudi Arabia's largest facility. While the Houthis reported causing massive fires at the site, Saudi authorities have not confirmed the extent of the damage, though reports indicate a fire near the terminal was brought under control. The Saudi military coalition also reported intercepting three ballistic missiles launched by the Houthis targeting the eastern part of the country.