On Tuesday, a senior figure from the Houthis declared that the recent decision by the Egyptian Parliament to permit military assistance for Saudi Arabia amounts to a formal declaration of war against the Yemeni Republic.
Key points:
- The statement was issued on 2 October 2026 via a Telegram post by Mohammed Ali al‑Houthi, a member of the Houthis’ political bureau.
- Egypt’s parliament voted to authorise arms support for Saudi Arabia earlier in the week.
- The comment followed a high‑level meeting in Tehran on 1 October that included Saudi Defence Minister Khalid bin Salman, Pakistan’s army chief General Asim Munir and Turkey’s intelligence chief Ibrahim Kalın.
- Al‑Houthi warned that the move signals a war‑like stance toward Yemen and dismissed any threat from emerging regional alliances.
What did the Houthi official say?
Al‑Houthi wrote that while the three foreign ministers discuss “peace in the region,” Egypt’s legislative endorsement of Saudi defence “declares war against the Republic of Yemen.” He characterised the move as a “remarkable” contradiction to peace talks.
Who attended the Tehran talks?
The Tehran gathering brought together Saudi Defence Minister Khalid bin Salman, Pakistan’s army chief General Asim Munir, Turkey’s intelligence chief Ibrahim Kalın, and Iran’s Supreme National Security Council head Mohsen Rezaei. The delegation also met with Iranian President Masoud Pezeshkian.
What is the defence pact signed in Mecca?
Earlier this month, Iran, Pakistan and Turkey signed a NATO‑style defence agreement in Mecca, stipulating that an attack on any signatory would be treated as an attack on all three. Despite the pact, the two allies have not launched strikes against the Houthis even as the Yemeni group intensified attacks on Saudi targets.
How has the Yemen conflict evolved recently?
In July, the fragile 2022 truce collapsed after the Houthis permitted an Iranian aircraft to land in Sanaa, defying Saudi‑controlled airspace. The group then imposed a maritime blockade on Saudi Arabia, targeting ships, coastal installations and oil facilities. A major September offensive saw the Houthis capture Yemeni government positions along the Red Sea coast. Saudi forces have responded with frequent airstrikes on Houthi‑held areas. In October, the Houthis escalated attacks, prompting the cancellation of major events and a two‑week shutdown of Riyadh’s airport.
Al‑Houthi concluded that the Mecca pact represents “a clear and blatant act of aggression against the Islamic Republic of Iran,” adding that the Houthis are “not afraid of any alliance that may be formed.”