US Secretary of State Marco Rubio has held talks with Saudi Arabia’s Foreign Minister, Prince Faisal bin Farhan Al Saud, on regional security issues, including the escalating conflict in Yemen and the safety of navigation through the Strait of Hormuz.
The meeting took place in Washington, DC, on Monday as the US-Israel war on Iran enters its eighth month, with diplomatic efforts to end the conflict remaining stalled.
Rubio said the discussions focused on bilateral cooperation on regional security and stability, including developments in Iran, Gaza, Sudan and Yemen.
Saudi Arabia’s state news agency, SPA, said the two officials also discussed political and security developments in Yemen and efforts to address the crisis. They stressed the importance of protecting freedom of navigation through the Strait of Hormuz and the Bab al-Mandeb Strait, which are vital routes for international trade.
The talks came amid increased attacks by Yemen’s Iran-backed Houthi group along the Red Sea and against Saudi targets, including airports and oil infrastructure.
US media reports have also said Saudi Crown Prince Mohammed bin Salman sought US military assistance against the Houthis. Washington reportedly declined to conduct direct strikes but agreed to provide intelligence and targeting support.
Rubio also separately met Lebanese Prime Minister Nawaf Salam, who urged the United States to help implement a US-brokered ceasefire agreement between Lebanon and Israel.
Salam called for practical measures, a clear timetable and a credible mechanism to monitor the implementation of the agreement, including the withdrawal of Israeli forces from southern Lebanon and the disarmament of armed groups.
He also appealed for US and international assistance for reconstruction, humanitarian relief, the return of displaced people and continued support for the Lebanese army.
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