Saudi defence minister and Hegseth discuss Houthi attacks and defence cooperation

Summary

Saudi Defence Minister Khalid bin Salman and US Defence Secretary Pete Hegseth discussed strategic defence cooperation, efforts to ease tensions in the Gulf and ongoing Houthi attacks on Saudi Arabia in a phone call on Monday, according to the Saudi Press Agency readout. Other reports said Khalid bin Salman held calls with Hegseth and other counterparts as Yemen's Houthis claimed fresh attacks on Saudi targets.

Timeline

1. Middle East Eye

   2 Nov 2026, 21:57 UTCSource ↗

   Reports that Saudi Defence Minister Khalid bin Salman reviewed strategic defence cooperation with US Defence Secretary Pete Hegseth in a Monday phone call, which also covered de-escalation efforts and ongoing Houthi attacks on the kingdom, according to the Saudi minister.

2. Hindustan Times

   3 Nov 2026, 02:34 UTCSource ↗

   Reports that Prince Khalid bin Salman held calls with US Defence Secretary Pete Hegseth and other counterparts as Yemen's Houthis claimed fresh attacks on Saudi targets.

3. Middle East Eye

   3 Nov 2026, 16:30 UTCSource ↗

   Reports that Khalid bin Salman and Hegseth discussed efforts to ease tensions in the Gulf in a phone call, citing the Saudi Press Agency readout, and that they also discussed Houthi attacks on Saudi Arabia and defence cooperation.