Gulf states postpone Hormuz strait talks with Iran as Yemen conflict escalates
Gulf Cooperation Council states have delayed planned talks with Iran on the strait of Hormuz amid growing Saudi anger over Iranian backing for Houthi advances in Yemen. Oil prices climbed above $108 a barrel on Monday.
A planned meeting between the Gulf Cooperation Council and Iran on the future of the strait of Hormuz was postponed at the last minute, as Arab states failed to reach consensus and Saudi Arabia's frustration grew over Iran's alleged support for Houthi forces weakening its position in Yemen.
The delay came alongside a fresh wave of Houthi missile and drone strikes on Saudi military sites. A Houthi spokesperson said the group had hit the King Khalid airbase in Khamis Mushait, damaging fighter-jet hangars, radar systems, runways and ammunition depots.
Last week, Iran-backed militias in Iraq forced Saudi Arabia to shut down its key east-west oil pipeline, which had served as an alternative export route after Iran effectively closed the strait of Hormuz. Satellite imagery showed a pumping station near Al Mesaba'ah nearly destroyed.
Together with the pipeline closure, the postponed talks, and the Houthis' seizure last week of Yemen's Red Sea coast — giving them control of the Bab al-Mandab strait as well — these developments pushed oil prices above $108 a barrel on Monday.
Saudi Crown Prince Mohammed bin Salman met US Central Command chief Adm Brad Cooper in Jeddah on Monday to discuss regional developments. Saudi Arabia has reportedly sought US military assistance against the Houthis, though Washington has so far provided only logistical and intelligence support.
Oman's foreign minister said the meeting was postponed for the sake of consensus, without giving further detail. The proposed deal would have set up a temporary shipping route but effectively formalised Iranian control of the strait, since the route would run entirely through Iranian waters. Iran has set other preconditions for fully reopening the strait, including lifting of a US blockade on its oil ports and a ceasefire in Lebanon.
Iran's foreign ministry denied any involvement in the pipeline attack or in events in Yemen. According to Yemen's government, roughly 150 civilians have been killed and 200 injured in the recent Houthi advance, while the UN estimates about 85,000 people have been displaced.
