Riyadh: The Saudi defence ministry announced the interception of multiple drones launched by pro-Iran groups in Iraq on Monday, coinciding with claims from Yemen's Tehran-backed Houthi rebels of attacks on Saudi oil infrastructure.

According to France24.com, the interception comes at a time when Saudi Arabia is experiencing a pause in the Middle East conflict, following 13 days of exchanges between the US and Iran. The Saudi defence ministry, in an official statement on social media, described the incidents as "terrorist attempts" originating from Iraqi territory, carried out by Iranian-backed militias. The drones reportedly targeted petroleum facilities in the eastern regions and the capital, Riyadh.

Saudi Arabia has urged Iraq to "take all necessary measures" to prevent its territory from being used as a launch point for attacks, as stated by an official Saudi broadcaster. Despite the resumption of hostilities between the US and Iran earlier this month, pro-Iran armed groups based in Iraq have not claimed responsibility for any attacks since the breakdown of an April ceasefire.

In recent days, Saudi Arabia and Yemen's Houthi rebels have exchanged strikes, with the Houthis announcing a naval blockade on Saudi ports. On Monday, the Houthis declared they had launched drone attacks on Saudi oil infrastructure in retaliation for Saudi drone incursions. Riyadh has yet to officially respond to these claims by the Houthis.

Since 2015, a Saudi-led military coalition has been engaged in conflict with Houthi rebels to support Yemen's internationally recognized government. This recent escalation between Saudi Arabia and the Houthis threatens a 2022 truce, marking the first exchange of strikes in years.