The Foreign Ministry stated that Iran provides political cover for the Houthis and must stop arming militias and withdraw its experts.

Yemen’s Foreign Ministry Condemns Iranian Interference

The Yemeni Ministry of Foreign Affairs and Expatriates has strongly condemned a recent statement from the Iranian Foreign Ministry regarding Yemen. The ministry described the statement as containing misleading claims and as a blatant interference in the internal affairs of the Republic of Yemen. It characterized the Iranian statement as a transparent attempt to provide political and media cover for the Houthi terrorist militias and to evade responsibility for the Iranian regime’s role in prolonging the war and deepening the humanitarian tragedy faced by the Yemeni people.

Iran’s Support for Houthi Militias

In a press release, the ministry emphasized that the Iranian statement reveals Tehran’s public adoption of the Houthi narrative and justification of their actions. This aligns with reports from Yemeni authorities indicating that Iranian intervention has shifted from financing, arming, and training to direct involvement in planning and managing operations.

The ministry noted that the combination of military support and diplomatic cover serves as additional evidence of Iran’s role in undermining the Yemeni state and threatening regional security and maritime routes.

Exploitation of Victims

The Foreign Ministry rejected the Iranian regime’s exploitation of victims from the Al-Hudaydah market incident in the Al-Wazi’iyah district of Taiz Governorate, as well as other incidents, to promote accusations that contradict the statements of Yemeni authorities. It reiterated its call for independent investigations into the human rights violations committed by the Houthi militias.

Presence of Foreign Experts

The ministry reminded the public of the Interior Ministry’s announcement regarding the presence of 21 foreign experts working with the Houthi militias. This group includes 14 experts from the Iranian Revolutionary Guard and 7 from Hezbollah, who are responsible for leadership, control, and operational management, as well as working in areas such as ballistic missiles, drones, electronic warfare, military component smuggling, and coordinating maritime operations.

Iran’s Role in Regional Instability

The Foreign Ministry stressed that by arming the Houthi militias and supplying them with experts, Iran enables them to continue their terrorist activities against Yemenis, target cities and civilian facilities, and threaten international navigation and regional security.

The ministry asserted that Iran’s interests and security, along with its future regional relations, require respect for the sovereignty of states and non-interference in their internal affairs. It called for an end to the policy of supporting and arming armed groups that operate outside state authority.

Humanitarian Support from Saudi Arabia

The ministry pointed out that the Iranian regime has provided Yemenis with nothing but missiles, drones, explosive boats, and sabotage experts during the years of war. In contrast, Saudi Arabia has offered significant humanitarian and developmental support, along with facilitation for Yemeni expatriates.

Call for Respecting Yemen’s Sovereignty

The Foreign Ministry concluded its statement by emphasizing that respecting Yemen’s sovereignty begins with halting the arming of Houthi militias, withdrawing Iranian experts, and ceasing interference in Yemen’s national decision-making. It stated that any genuine concern for the lives of Yemenis necessitates stopping support for the tools that prolong the war and exacerbate the suffering of the Yemeni people.

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