Saudi Grand Mufti Calls for Action Against Houthis

Sheikh Saleh al-Fawzan, the Grand Mufti of Saudi Arabia, who typically stays out of political matters, made a notable statement on Thursday, encouraging Saudi troops to oppose the Iran-backed Houthi insurgents in Yemen.

In a message disseminated by the state-run Saudi Press Agency (SPA), al-Fawzan emphasized, “Safeguarding this noble nation and punishing anyone who attempts to encroach on its territory is among the highest duties—virtuous acts deserving of sacrifice to seek God’s favor.”

He further implored, “We pray for God’s assistance to protect our beloved Yemen and other nations from harm. We desire the complete defeat of the Houthi group and their supporters.”

Addressing frontline soldiers, he advised them to be perpetually ready to fulfill their responsibilities, to adhere to the commands of their leaders, and to execute orders accurately, echoing the divine guidance given to the Prophet’s companions.

Al-Fawzan remarked, “You stand as defenders of the sacred Muslim sites,” likely referring to a recent Houthi drone attack targeting Mecca, which drew widespread condemnation. Saudi media has showcased footage of mosques in southern Saudi Arabia purportedly damaged by Houthi aggression.

The Grand Mufti condemned the Houthis, labeling them “a corrupt group of evil,” and urged Saudi forces to “unite against this errant faction.”

Al-Fawzan accused the Houthis of being poor representatives of Islam, stating that they declare the Prophet’s companions as non-believers, make Muslim blood permissible, and destroy mosques.

“Cling to God’s guidance, unite your efforts, collaborate with each other, and speak with one voice. Remember, you face an enemy in the Houthis, who have bred discord in the nation, betrayed their leaders, and threatened sacred Muslim sites. Yet, God watches over them,” he said.

He also highlighted the restoration of Yemen’s legitimate government as a vital responsibility, essential for the Yemeni populace to enjoy security and prosperity alongside fellow Muslim states.

Holding the title of the highest religious authority in Saudi Arabia, al-Fawzan also serves as a prominent legal scholar, given that the nation’s legal framework is primarily based on Islamic sharia law. He oversees critical religious institutions, including the Council of Senior Scholars.

Initially established by the Saudi monarchy, the position of Grand Mufti is appointed by the king, who grants a lifetime tenure. Al-Fawzan was appointed by King Salman bin Abdulaziz in October 2025, following a predecessor who remained in office for over 25 years.

Unlike Iran’s ruling Shiite clerics, Saudi Sunni clerics are largely seen as advisors rather than governing figures, a dynamic that allows the monarchy to hold genuine power. However, the Grand Mufti’s recent passionate remarks about the Houthis stand out and may indicate upcoming military actions, as religious endorsement is often sought for such initiatives.

Chatham House research fellow Farea al-Muslimi noted, “They are mobilizing every available demographic in Saudi Arabia for potential war.”

The Saudi military has faced challenges, as the renewed conflict with the Houthis allowed the insurgents to swiftly advance along the Red Sea coast, while Saudi and Yemeni troops retreated with minimal resistance. In response, Saudi forces have conducted extensive airstrikes on Houthi locations and endeavored to regroup for a counteroffensive.

Al-Fawzan’s remarks were issued just a day after Saudi Foreign Minister Prince Faisal bin Farhan met with the foreign ministers of Turkey and Pakistan amidst the U.N. General Assembly in New York.

Reports indicate that the foreign minister arranged an “urgent meeting of military leaders to discuss support for Saudi Arabia” as stipulated under the Mecca Agreement, a trilateral defense pact formed by Turkey, Pakistan, and Saudi Arabia in August 2026. However, skepticism has emerged regarding the agreement’s viability, especially considering the ongoing Houthi assaults.

Just two weeks ago, Pakistan warned Iran regarding its Houthi proxies, hinting it might act if Iran did not manage them. However, Tehran disregarded the warning, and Pakistan ultimately did not follow through with threats.

On Friday, Turkey’s Defense Ministry confirmed that Gen. Selcuk Bayraktaroglu, the Turkish Chief of General Staff, would soon visit Saudi Arabia, with Pakistan’s defense chief, Field Marshal Asim Munir, also anticipated to arrive shortly.

During the meeting in New York, both Saudi and Turkish foreign ministers were careful to present the discussions as “technical negotiations” focused on establishing institutional frameworks for their defense collaboration, rather than any war planning. Turkish Foreign Minister Hakan Fidan suggested this week that Turkey could offer technical support, as opposed to direct military involvement.