RIYADH: An Iranian government aircraft landed in Saudi Arabia’s capital on Tuesday, marking a rare direct link between Tehran and Riyadh as fighting involving Saudi Arabia and the Iran-aligned Houthis intensifies.
Flight-tracking data showed the aircraft, operating under the callsign IRAN06, arriving in Riyadh on September 15. Flight observers have previously associated the callsign with senior Iranian officials, including military and security figures.
However, neither Iran nor Saudi Arabia immediately explained the purpose of the flight or identified those aboard.
Flight Comes Amid Intensifying Houthi Attacks
The aircraft’s arrival came as Saudi Arabia warned of a firm response to recent Houthi missile and drone attacks that reportedly wounded 13 civilians in the kingdom’s south.
The Houthis claimed responsibility for a large-scale operation targeting King Khalid airbase in Khamis Mushait with dozens of ballistic missiles and drones.
Saudi authorities confirmed attacks affecting Khamis Mushait, Abha and Taif and pledged measures to defend the kingdom. Subsequently, Saudi forces launched retaliatory strikes, with the Houthis claiming more than 50 attacks against their positions.
Regional Escalation Raises Red Sea Security Concerns
Meanwhile, Yemen’s National Resistance Forces claimed the Houthis had mobilised more than 76,000 personnel during fighting along Yemen’s western coast and alleged Iranian and Lebanese experts were involved.
Iran rejected accusations that it directs Houthi military operations. Foreign Ministry spokesman Esmail Baghaei said Tehran does not interfere in Yemeni affairs and described the Houthis as an independent movement.
The renewed fighting has also heightened concerns surrounding the Bab el-Mandeb Strait and Red Sea shipping routes.
Against that backdrop, the unexplained arrival of an Iranian government aircraft in Riyadh has attracted attention, although no official information has established whether the flight was connected to the escalating Yemen conflict.
