$1 Billion For Peace? Saudi Arabia Reportedly Offers Houthis Deal As Missiles And Drones Target Kingdom

Saudi Arabia has reportedly offered Yemen’s Houthi rebels $1 billion to stop attacks on its oil facilities, airports and military installations, according to Israeli newspaper Israel Hayom, citing Gulf diplomatic sources. The alleged proposal emerged amid Saudi Defence Minister Prince Khalid bin Salman’s visit to Tehran, where Iran is seeking to mediate between Riyadh and the Iran-aligned group. The reported payment remains unconfirmed.

The urgency of the diplomatic efforts was underscored on Tuesday, October 27, when the Saudi-led coalition said it intercepted three ballistic missiles targeting the kingdom’s Eastern Province and four drones heading towards its southern regions. Saudi Civil Defence issued emergency alerts in the Eastern Province and Al Kharj governorate before announcing that the danger had passed. No casualties were reported from the missile interceptions.

The interceptions came as senior officials from Saudi Arabia, Iran, Turkey and Pakistan held talks in Tehran to ease regional tensions. The delegations included Prince Khalid, Pakistan’s Army Chief Field Marshal Asim Munir and Turkish intelligence chief Ibrahim Kalin. The four countries agreed to continue discussions aimed at improving regional security.

The reported financial proposal is linked to earlier understandings under which Saudi Arabia would help pay public-sector salaries in Houthi-controlled areas and fund civilian reconstruction. In return, the Houthis were expected to maintain a ceasefire and stop attacks on Saudi territory. The group has accused Riyadh of failing to honour previous commitments.

Meanwhile, Egypt’s parliament authorised President Abdel Fattah el-Sisi to take measures to provide military support to Saudi Arabia if requested. Cairo has said any assistance would be defensive, intended to protect Saudi territory, borders, sovereignty and holy sites, rather than launch attacks on Yemen.

The escalation threatens regional energy infrastructure and shipping routes, including the strategic Bab al-Mandeb Strait and the Strait of Hormuz. Earlier Houthi attacks on Saudi airports and oil facilities have disrupted travel and heightened concerns over energy supplies.

Saudi Arabia has described the Tehran visit as an effort to prevent renewed military escalation and pursue diplomatic solutions. However, neither the alleged $1 billion transfer nor the Houthis’ acceptance of the reported proposal has been independently verified. Whether the latest talks can secure a ceasefire remains unclear.