Israel's *Israel Today* newspaper, citing diplomatic sources in the Gulf region, reported that Saudi Defense Minister Khalid bin Salman recently visited Iran to discuss a ceasefire with the Houthi rebels in Yemen. The proposed solution reportedly involves Saudi Arabia providing the Houthis with $1 billion via Iran to pay public sector salaries and rebuild civilian infrastructure in areas under their control, in exchange for the Houthis ceasing their attacks on Saudi Arabia. Turkish intelligence chief Ibrahim Kalin and Pakistani Army Chief of Staff Asim Munir also participated in the talks, with Iran offering to mediate. However, Saudi officials have not confirmed the transfer of funds and stated that Saudi Arabia will not succumb to military coercion or provide funds to the Houthis until they return the territory they seized from the Yemeni government. The Saudi Foreign Ministry stated that the visit aimed to ease regional tensions and promote a diplomatic solution.
