Saudi Foreign Minister Arrives in Washington for Talks With Rubio Amid Houthi Tensions

Saudi Foreign Minister Prince Faisal bin Farhan arrived in Washington on Monday for talks with US Secretary of State Marco Rubio, as tensions between Saudi Arabia and Yemen’s Houthi movement continue to escalate.

The Saudi state news agency reported that Faisal’s discussions with Rubio would cover bilateral relations as well as major regional and international developments. Saudi Arabia’s Foreign Ministry also confirmed that the foreign minister was in Washington on an official visit.

The meeting comes against the backdrop of increased hostilities involving Saudi Arabia and the Iran-backed Houthi movement in Yemen. Reuters reported that Saudi Crown Prince Mohammed bin Salman sought US military assistance earlier this month in response to the Houthi threat.

According to sources cited by Reuters, Washington declined to launch strikes against the Houthis at Saudi Arabia’s request but agreed to provide intelligence and targeting support.

The latest developments have added a security dimension to the Saudi-US discussions, with Riyadh facing continuing attacks directed at its territory.

The Saudi-led coalition in Yemen said it had intercepted two ballistic missiles and two drones launched by the Houthis towards Saudi Arabia. The coalition said the missiles were headed towards Khamis Mushait while the drones were directed towards Riyadh.

The Washington talks also follow a series of Saudi diplomatic engagements on regional security during the 81st United Nations General Assembly in New York.

On September 22, Saudi Arabia joined Turkey, Egypt and Pakistan in a joint statement affirming Riyadh’s right to defend itself in accordance with international law amid attacks attributed to the Houthis. The countries also stressed the importance of safe navigation and called for dialogue and diplomacy to address regional conflicts.

Faisal also participated in discussions in New York focused on maritime security, including efforts to protect international shipping routes, supply chains and freedom of navigation.

The Saudi foreign minister’s visit therefore comes at a time when regional security, maritime routes and the future of Saudi-US cooperation are receiving increased diplomatic attention.

The two governments have not publicly provided a detailed agenda for the Rubio-Faisal meeting beyond bilateral relations and wider regional and international developments.