The attacks come amid renewed diplomatic efforts involving Saudi Arabia, Iran, Turkiye and Pakistan to ease regional tensions, particularly the cross-border conflict between Houthi forces and Saudi Arabia and Saudi-backed forces inside Yemen. Despite positive statements following the meeting, the Houthis have continued launching missiles and drones towards the kingdom.
Houthi spokesperson Yahya Saree said in a statement posted on X that the operations targeted vital commercial and military infrastructure across Saudi Arabia, stretching from its eastern and western coasts to Riyadh and the southern region of Najran.
According to Saree, the Houthis targeted the Ras Tanura oil refinery with a ballistic missile and an Aramco facility in Abqaiq with a missile. King Khalid International Airport in Riyadh was reportedly targeted with multiple missiles, while a drone was directed at King Fahd International Airport in Dammam. The group also claimed to have struck the Rabigh oil refinery with a ballistic missile and a Saudi military headquarters in the Najran region.
However, there was no independent corroboration of the Houthi claims.
The intensification of hostilities comes despite this week's high-level diplomatic engagement, which sought to contain mounting regional tensions and prevent further military escalation.
Saudi Arabia, Turkiye and Pakistan sent senior representatives to the meeting in Tehran on Monday, October 26, alongside Iranian officials. The discussions were hosted by Iran's security chief Mohsen Rezaei and attended by Saudi Defence Minister Khalid bin Salman, Pakistan's army chief Asim Munir and Turkish intelligence chief Ibrahim Kalin.
According to an official Iranian press release carried by the Fars news agency, the discussions focused on peace and security in the region. Following the meeting, the participants agreed to continue discussions aimed at strengthening cooperation between the four regional countries.
The Saudi Foreign Ministry, meanwhile, emphasised the importance of opening channels of negotiation to prevent a return to military escalation.
The latest Houthi claims, announced by Saree on Thursday, came after the Saudi-led coalition reported intercepting and destroying two ballistic missiles fired by the group towards the Saudi capital. Coalition spokesperson Turki al-Maliki confirmed the interceptions.
Saudi Arabia's Civil Defence said shrapnel from the interceptions injured one Saudi citizen in Riyadh. The falling debris also damaged a house and a vehicle, according to the agency's spokesperson, who spoke to the state-run news agency.
Authorities had issued warnings about potential incoming threats in Riyadh and al-Kharj governorates, as well as in Najran city, before the interceptions were announced.
Earlier on Thursday, the internationally recognised Yemeni government issued a separate statement urging the United Nations Security Council to take "deterrent and punitive measures" to halt Houthi attacks on Aden International Airport.
The latest developments highlight the continuing security challenges facing Saudi Arabia and the wider region, as renewed military operations unfold alongside diplomatic efforts involving Iran and regional powers to prevent further escalation.
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