Rubio Hosts Saudi Foreign Minister in Washington as Houthi Attacks Escalate

US Secretary of State Marco Rubio held talks with Saudi Foreign Minister Prince Faisal bin Farhan Al Saud in Washington on Monday, with the meeting taking place at the State Department's Treaty Room.

The two diplomats were seen entering the room, shaking hands and then walking back inside before their discussions got under way.

The engagement comes at a time of heightened tension between Saudi Arabia and the Iran-backed Houthi rebels in Yemen. Riyadh has been pressing for stronger American backing in its escalating confrontation with the group.

Saudi authorities have said they intercepted missiles and drones launched by the Houthis that were aimed at the kingdom.

The wider Gulf region has also weighed in. The Gulf Cooperation Council, a regional body representing Arab Gulf states, condemned the latest Houthi attacks on Saturday, describing them as a "grave escalation and threat to regional security." The council called on the international community to respond.

Monday's meeting in Washington underscores the continuing focus of both governments on security cooperation as hostilities with the Yemen-based group persist.