Saudi seeks China's help to rein in Houthis

Saudi Arabia has sought China's help in exerting influence over Iran to halt the recent military advances of Yemen's Houthi rebels. Following Riyadh's request, Beijing privately urged Tehran to use its influence over the Houthis to help contain the situation.

The information was reported by Reuters, citing three Iranian sources familiar with the matter.

According to the sources, over the past week, the Houthis have advanced rapidly along Yemen's Red Sea coast and around the strategic Bab al-Mandeb Strait. This has increased risks to Saudi Arabia's oil exports and international shipping through the vital waterway.

Although China has publicly called for restraint, dialogue and the restoration of safe navigation, the Iranian sources said Beijing took a more direct position in its private message to Tehran.

They claimed Beijing asked Iran to use its influence over the Houthis to prevent the conflict from spreading further into the Red Sea and vital energy transport routes.

However, it is unclear how China's message was conveyed to Tehran. Iranian Foreign Minister Abbas Araghchi visited China on Wednesday, but it could not be confirmed whether the message was delivered during that visit.

In response to China's concerns, Tehran said the war between Iran and the United States and Israel needs to end to establish regional stability and peace, according to the sources.

According to the three Iranian sources, China did not threaten economic pressure or any other measures against Iran if it failed to exert influence over the Houthis. In response to Reuters' questions, China's Foreign Ministry also said it does not want tensions to spread further in Yemen and the Red Sea. At the same time, Beijing called for respect for the sovereignty and security of all countries and no attacks on facilities important to people's livelihoods.