Saudi Arabia Reportedly Offers $1 Billion for Houthi Ceasefire

Saudi Arabia is reportedly exploring a ceasefire arrangement with Yemen’s Houthi rebels amid escalating attacks on Saudi infrastructure and oil facilities. According to a report published by Israeli newspaper Israel Hayom, citing unnamed Gulf diplomatic sources, Riyadh has allegedly offered $1 billion to the Houthis through Iran in exchange for stopping attacks against the kingdom. The report also claimed that Saudi Defence Minister Prince Khalid bin Salman travelled to Tehran for discussions and that the money may have been carried aboard the delegation’s military transport aircraft. However, Saudi authorities have not officially confirmed the alleged $1 billion payment or the reported agreement. Riyadh has publicly described the Tehran visit as part of wider diplomatic efforts to reduce regional tensions and encourage dialogue.

The reported proposal comes as Houthi attacks on Saudi targets and tensions involving Iran have heightened concerns across the Middle East. On October 26, 2026, Saudi, Turkish and Pakistani representatives held discussions with Iranian officials in Tehran to explore ways to de-escalate the regional crisis. Iran had previously offered to mediate between Saudi Arabia and the Houthis, but both sides had not responded to that proposal at the time of the report. The reported financial arrangement remains unverified, and there is no confirmed public announcement that the Houthis have accepted a ceasefire deal. The diplomatic developments nevertheless highlight growing efforts to contain the conflict and protect regional security and energy supplies.