Published: 12:13 AM, 27 October 2026
OIC Urges Houthis and Saudi Arabia to Sit for Dialogue
The Organization of Islamic Cooperation (OIC) has called for dialogue and diplomatic efforts to ease tensions between Saudi Arabia and Yemen's Houthi movement, warning that continued hostilities could threaten regional peace and stability. The appeal comes amid growing concerns over attacks against Saudi territory, maritime security, and the wider consequences of escalating conflict in the Middle East.
The OIC, an international organization representing Muslim-majority countries, has repeatedly stressed the importance of peaceful negotiations in resolving regional disputes. Its leadership has condemned Houthi attacks against Saudi Arabia and urged an end to actions that threaten civilians, national sovereignty, and international navigation. At the organization's Council of Foreign Ministers meeting in Baghdad in October 2026, Secretary-General Ismail Ould Cheikh Ahmed called for stronger preventive diplomacy and announced plans to activate the OIC's mediation unit to help address regional crises. The meeting placed renewed attention on the need for diplomatic solutions to conflicts affecting the Muslim world.
The tensions between Saudi Arabia and the Houthis are rooted in Yemen's prolonged civil war. The conflict intensified in 2014 when Houthi forces seized the capital, Sanaa, and expanded their territorial control. In 2015, a Saudi-led military coalition intervened in support of Yemen's internationally recognized government. Years of fighting have caused extensive destruction, displaced millions of people, and contributed to one of the world's most serious humanitarian crises.
Saudi Arabia has faced repeated missile and drone attacks during the conflict. The OIC has strongly condemned such attacks, emphasizing that protecting civilians and respecting national sovereignty are essential obligations under international law. On October 9, 2026, the organization condemned an attack against King Khalid International Airport in Riyadh and called on the international community to take a firm stance against actions threatening civilian safety and aviation security.
The OIC's appeal for dialogue reflects growing recognition that military confrontation alone cannot provide a sustainable solution to Yemen's crisis. Negotiations could address border security, attacks on Saudi territory, maritime safety, prisoner exchanges, humanitarian access, and arrangements for a lasting ceasefire. However, meaningful progress will require the parties to demonstrate political willingness, exercise restraint, and respect commitments reached through negotiations.
Regional diplomacy has also gained momentum. Iran has offered to facilitate dialogue between Saudi Arabia and the Houthis. On October 20, 2026, Iranian Foreign Minister Abbas Araghchi said that Tehran had not received a response from either side to its mediation offer. He warned that foreign military intervention could further complicate the conflict. These developments underline the difficulties facing regional powers as they seek to prevent further escalation.
The international community has strong reasons to support a peaceful settlement. Continued instability in Yemen threatens commercial shipping routes in the Red Sea and the Gulf of Aden, which are important for global trade. Disruptions to these routes can increase transportation costs, affect energy markets, and place additional pressure on developing economies, including Bangladesh. Higher shipping and fuel costs can ultimately affect businesses and consumers far beyond the Middle East.
The humanitarian consequences are equally serious. Years of conflict have left millions of Yemenis dependent on humanitarian assistance, while shortages of food, clean water, medicine, and basic services continue to affect vulnerable communities. A lasting ceasefire and improved humanitarian access would help relief organizations deliver essential supplies and support reconstruction efforts.
For dialogue to succeed, the OIC and other regional organizations must encourage confidence-building measures and inclusive negotiations. Oman and other diplomatic partners could also help facilitate communication between the parties. Any durable settlement should address Yemen's internal political divisions and ensure that the interests and rights of the Yemeni population are represented.
In conclusion, the OIC's call for dialogue between Saudi Arabia and the Houthis highlights the urgent need for diplomacy to prevent further violence. Although deep disagreements remain, negotiations offer a better path toward stability than continued confrontation. Regional leaders must work together to protect civilians, safeguard international trade, and support a comprehensive political settlement. Lasting peace will depend on restraint, mutual understanding, and a genuine commitment to resolving disputes through dialogue rather than force.
>>Agency
