Iran has denied allegations that it is directing or supporting an escalation of attacks by Houthi rebels against Saudi Arabia, as missiles struck the international airport in Yemen’s interim capital, Aden.
The airport was hit by two missiles late on Friday, marking the second such incident in less than two weeks.
The Houthi rebels claimed responsibility for the attack, saying their target was the headquarters of the Saudi-led military coalition supporting Yemen’s internationally recognised government.
Since the beginning of October, the rebels have launched more than 20 attacks on airports and energy facilities in Saudi Arabia, according to reports.
The Saudi-led coalition said on Friday that it had intercepted additional missiles and drones as the kingdom continued to face attacks from the group.
Riyadh has accused Tehran of backing the escalation, but Iran rejected the allegations on Friday.
“The Islamic Republic of Iran rejects any claim that Iran has played a role in Yemeni (Houthi) operations,” Iranian Foreign Ministry spokesman Esmaeil Baqaei said in a statement.
He maintained that the Houthi movement acted according to its own interests and assessments, arguing that claims of Iranian involvement were not credible.
Baqaei, however, cautioned against further escalation, saying increased tensions would not serve the interests of any party.
The latest attacks come amid renewed fighting in Yemen, where the Iran-aligned Houthis have repeatedly targeted Saudi interests, including oil facilities, Red Sea tankers and Riyadh’s international airport.
One attack on the Saudi capital’s airport reportedly killed 13 people last week.
Saudi Arabia’s Deputy Minister for Public Diplomacy, Dr Rayed Krimly, said on Thursday that the Houthis had rejected an offer to meet in Oman at the beginning of the latest round of hostilities.
Despite the growing tensions, Baqaei reiterated Tehran’s willingness to mediate between the parties.
“Iran has always been ready to use its good offices to help end the hostilities,” he said.
The attacks have intensified following a Houthi offensive in Yemen in September, during which the group seized strategic territory along the Red Sea coast overlooking a major global shipping chokepoint.
The escalation has increased pressure on Saudi Arabia, the world’s largest oil exporter, amid wider instability in the Middle East.
Global energy markets have also faced disruption following Iran’s closure of the Strait of Hormuz at the beginning of the broader regional conflict in February, raising further concerns about the security of international oil supplies and maritime trade.
