Iran, Oman discuss US airstrikes on Houthi targets in Yemen

Iranian, Omani foreign ministers stress importance of dialogue, peaceful means to de-escalate tensions in region

ISTANBUL

Iranian Foreign Minister Abbas Araghchi met with his Omani counterpart Badr bin Hamad Al Busaidi on Sunday in the Omani capital, Muscat, to discuss US airstrikes against Houthi targets in Yemen.

The two ministers reviewed bilateral relations and regional developments, including the ongoing situation in Yemen and US attacks on the country, the Iranian state news agency IRNA reported.

Both sides stressed the “need to foster favorable conditions for diplomatic solutions, prioritize dialogue channels, and utilize peaceful methods to resolve issues and ease tensions,” IRNA said.

The discussions followed a statement by US President Donald Trump on Saturday during which he ordered a “decisive and powerful” military strike against Houthis in Yemen over attacks on shipping in the Red Sea.

The US assault on several Yemeni cities, which took place late on Saturday, killed 31 people and injured 101 others, the majority of whom were women and children, according to the Houthi-run Health Ministry.

The Houthis warned Israel on March 7 to allow humanitarian aid into the Gaza Strip within four days or face renewed maritime operations against Israeli-linked vessels.

Saturday’s attack marked the first US strikes on Yemen since a ceasefire agreement between Israel and Hamas took hold in Gaza in January.

The Houthis have been attacking Israeli-linked ships in the Red Sea with missiles and drones since late 2023, disrupting global trade, for what it said was a show of solidarity with the Gaza Strip.