Houthi Officials Report 44 Dead in Saudi-Attributed Strikes Near Sanaa
Iranian diplomats rejected U.S. criticism of their peace demands while Trump prepared for a meeting with a Qatari mediator.
By Layla Richardson ·
Houthi health authorities reported that 44 people died in aerial strikes that hit homes near Sanaa, Yemen.
Anees al-Asbahi, the spokesperson for the Houthi-led Ministry of Health, said the attacks occurred on Saturday in the village of Al-Shariya, which is located east of the capital. He stated that 40 people were injured in the blasts, including eight children and nine women. Among the 44 dead were 21 children and 10 women. Al-Asbahi noted that rescue teams were still searching for missing persons, indicating the death toll could rise. He attributed the strikes to Saudi Arabia, a move that fits within a wider escalation of fighting between the Iran-backed rebels and the kingdom that has killed hundreds in Yemen and dozens in Saudi Arabia.
Iran’s Foreign Ministry responded to U.S. rhetoric on Monday by dismissing comments made by Secretary of State Marco Rubio the previous day. Rubio had described Iranian demands for an end to the war as "ridiculous" and "scandalous." Esmail Baghaei, the Iranian foreign ministry spokesman, countered that U.S. attacks during negotiations in June 2025 and February 2026 were "illogical and ridiculous." He described the war itself as a "criminal" act. Baghaei listed specific Iranian demands, including the end of the U.S. blockade of Iranian ports, the lifting of sanctions, the unblocking of Iranian assets, and compensation for war damages. He also called for an end to hostilities across the region, including Israeli operations in Lebanon.
President Donald Trump spoke to CNN by phone on Sunday regarding the diplomatic track. He stated that he prefers a diplomatic solution but noted that current talks have not been productive because Iranian demands are often unrealistic. Trump said that if the United States sees progress in negotiations with Tehran and both sides sign a "solid agreement," it is "very unlikely" that attacks will need to resume. Baghaei added that Iran’s proposal to end hostilities by lifting sanctions and reopening the strategic Strait of Hormuz remains on the table. He mentioned that Iran recently shortened the timeline for its seven-step plan to reopen the strait and resume nuclear talks with the U.S. from seven days to two.
Trump is scheduled to meet with Qatari Prime Minister Sheikh Mohammed bin Abdulrahman Al Thani at the White House on Monday. Qatar has served as a mediator in efforts to end the war between the United States and Iran.
