Turkish Foreign Minister Hakan Fidan and Saudi Prince Faisal bin Farhan held a phone call to discuss ongoing regional conflicts and recent military developments.
Key facts
- •Foreign Minister Hakan Fidan and Prince Faisal bin Farhan discussed regional conflicts on Friday.
- •Saudi Arabia and the U.S. conducted joint strikes against Iran-aligned groups following drone attacks.
- •The Popular Mobilization Forces in Iraq reported 20 deaths and 32 injuries from recent airstrikes.
- •The Islamic Resistance in Iraq has threatened U.S. and Saudi forces, setting a mid-August deadline for government action.
- •The Houthis have blockaded Saudi-linked commercial vessels in the Bab el-Mandeb Strait.
Turkish Foreign Minister Hakan Fidan spoke with his Saudi Arabian counterpart, Prince Faisal bin Farhan, by phone on Friday. Diplomatic sources in Turkey confirmed the discussion focused on the latest regional developments and efforts to resolve ongoing conflicts.
By the numbers
Military Strikes and Regional Escalation
The call follows a week of increased military activity in the region. Saudi Arabia joined the U.S. in conducting airstrikes against logistical sites and weapons depots linked to Iran-aligned groups, citing drone attacks on its oil facilities and military bases. Iraq’s Popular Mobilization Forces reported that 20 of its members were killed and 32 others injured in these strikes. In response, the Islamic Resistance in Iraq has threatened U.S. and Saudi forces, demanding the Iraqi government take action against the aggressors by mid-August. Separately, the U.S. has conducted strikes across Iran, citing disputes over navigation in the Strait of Hormuz and the targeting of U.S. assets. President Donald Trump stated on Friday that the U.S. will continue to strike Iran, aiming to win the conflict that began in February.
Tensions in Yemen and the Red Sea
Regional instability also involves the Houthis in Yemen, who have engaged in hostilities with Riyadh. The group has launched strikes against Saudi facilities and declared a blockade on commercial vessels linked to Saudi Arabia passing through the Bab el-Mandeb Strait. The Houthis stated this blockade is a retaliatory measure for an airstrike on Sanaa airport, which they attributed to the kingdom.
Timeline
- AprilThe conflict was paused following a cease-fire.
- JuneA memorandum to finalize a peace deal was signed.
- FridayForeign Minister Hakan Fidan and Prince Faisal bin Farhan held a phone call.
- mid-AugustThe deadline set by the Islamic Resistance in Iraq for the government to act against aggressors.
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This article was independently rewritten by ManyPress editorial AI from reporting originally published by Daily Sabah.
