Attacks have intensified since the suspension in early August of United Nations-brokered peace talks between the Houthi rebels and their allies, and Yemen’s internationally-recognised government.
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Kerry spoke of the “staggering” humanitarian impact of the war and announced an additional $189 million in aid in response to the crisis.
Kerry’s trip comes amid growing pressure on the Obama administration to cut back its support to Saudi Arabia.
The U.S. has provided logistical and intelligence support to a Saudi-led coalition of nine Arab countries in their bombing and ground offensive against Shiite Houthi rebels and their allies in Yemen.
Zarif, the Iranian foreign minister, said Kerry’s remarks show the US government is “an accomplice in Saudi war crimes against the innocent people of Yemen”.
Kerry said the worldwide response to Yemen’s civil war had fallen short of the region’s needs, and pledged a renewed political and security approach to resume talks.
In a statement, U.N. High Commissioner for Human Rights Zeid Ra’ad Al Hussein called for an global investigation into the grave violations, saying a national commission had not worked in pursuing perpetrators.
In January, the Houthis – who are Shia – seized the presidential palace in the capital Sanaa and forced then leader Abdu Rabu Mansour Hadi to resign.
The Yemen war has killed more than 6,500 people and displaced some 3 million.
Speaking at a press conference in Jiddah, Mr Kerry said: “The bloodshed, I think most would agree, has simply gone on for too long”.
In his 30-minute meeting with King Salman, Kerry exchanged words with the 80-year-old monarch about his health. Mr Kerry is scheduled for talks with the Russian foreign minister, Sergei Lavrov, in Geneva on Friday.
Since March 2015, the Saudi-led coalition of mostly Persian Gulf countries has been carrying out airstrikes against the Houthis at Hadi’s request despite a ceasefire agreed shortly before.
Air strikes by the Saudi-led coalition were suspected of causing around half of all civilian deaths, while attacks by groups affiliated with the rebels were blamed for around a quarter of the deaths, Thursday’s report said.
Foreign Minister Adel Al-Jubeir highlighted the fact that a key meeting here focused on the importance of reaching a quick solution in Yemen based on the three references: the GCC-sponsored initiative, the outputs of the Yemeni National Dialogue and the Security Council resolution 2216.
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The talks came after their regional rival Iran sent four warships close to two US Navy guided missile destroyers in the Strait of Hormuz, according to American defence officials. Backing by Gulf Arab states for the Syria plan is vital because they wield influence over Syrian opposition groups fighting to topple President Bashar al-Assad.
