Tehran's offer still waiting for an answer
Iran has yet to hear back from either Saudi Arabia or Yemen's Houthis about its proposal to help arrange negotiations aimed at stopping the fighting between them, according to Foreign Minister Abbas Araqchi. He made the comment during a television interview that aired on Tuesday. The offer was extended earlier this month, a period when the Houthis, who are aligned with Iran, stepped up their attacks on Saudi territory.[S1][S2][S3][S4][S5]
Araqchi gave the interview to Al Ekhbariya TV, an Iraqi broadcaster. Beyond the mediation question, he addressed the prospect of Egypt joining Saudi Arabia in military action against the Houthis. In his view, involvement by outside countries would only make the situation more complicated. He also noted that Cairo had previously assured Tehran it would not take part in the Yemeni conflict in a direct manner.[S1]
Egypt weighs its role as a vote slips
Egypt has stated that it stands ready to give Saudi Arabia the backing it requires to protect its security, a position that could heighten tensions across the Middle East. A parliamentary vote on whether the country's military — among the largest in the Arab world — might act against the Houthi fighters was pushed back to October 26. The delay leaves Cairo's next step unresolved while Riyadh continues to face intensified Houthi strikes.[S1][S5]
