Foreign Minister: Tehran’s regime is a party in the war against Yemenis, with no mediation involved.

Yemeni Foreign Minister Condemns Iranian Interference in Yemen

The Yemeni Minister of Foreign Affairs and Expatriates, Dr. Afrah Al-Zuba, condemned recent statements made by the Iranian Foreign Minister and officials from his ministry regarding what Tehran described as “mediation” in Yemen. She emphasized that the Iranian regime plays a significant role in the war against the Yemeni people by continuously supporting the Houthi terrorist militia.

Iran’s Role in Escalating the Conflict

Dr. Al-Zuba stated that Tehran contributed to igniting and prolonging the war by arming, financing, and training the militia, as well as supplying them with missiles, drones, and experts. She asserted that the Iranian regime should withdraw its influence and weapons from Yemen, respect the sovereignty of nations, and adhere to international law and principles of good neighborliness instead of presenting itself as a mediator.

Provocation to the Yemeni People

The minister considered these statements a provocation to the Yemeni people and the families of victims of Iranian weaponry. This is particularly concerning given the ongoing escalation by the Houthi militia, which has targeted the presidential and government headquarters in the temporary capital, Aden, and its international airport. The militia continues to besiege Taiz, bombard residential neighborhoods, and threaten civilians in several provinces, alongside jeopardizing international navigation security and attacking civilian facilities in the Kingdom of Saudi Arabia.

Rejection of Peace Efforts

Dr. Al-Zuba confirmed that the Houthi militia has rejected various international and regional peace efforts, including the roadmap proposed by Saudi Arabia. The militia has exploited periods of calm to reorganize and enhance its military capabilities with Iranian support.

Denial of Legitimacy to Houthi Representation

The minister rejected Tehran’s attempts to grant the militia the status of representing Yemen or to label it as the “Yemeni Armed Forces.” She emphasized that the Iranian regime’s dealings with a coup group do not confer any legitimacy or right to represent the Yemeni state or oversee its national decisions.

Solidarity with Saudi Arabia

The Republic of Yemen reiterated its full solidarity with the Kingdom of Saudi Arabia, affirming its legitimate right to defend its security and protect its citizens in accordance with international law. The minister stressed that the security of Yemen and the Kingdom is interconnected, highlighting that Saudi Arabia has remained a fundamental supporter of Yemen and its people in various circumstances.

Condemnation of Iranian Aggression

Dr. Al-Zuba denounced Iranian aggressions against the Gulf Cooperation Council countries and the Hashemite Kingdom of Jordan. She asserted that these actions reflect a consistent approach of interfering in the affairs of states, violating their sovereignty, and arming militias to impose influence through force.

Violations of Yemeni Sovereignty

The minister pointed out that the Iranian regime has continued its violations of Yemen’s sovereignty since it accepted the Houthi militia as a representative and handed over Yemeni diplomatic premises in Tehran. She regarded these unilateral actions as a blatant violation of international law and the Vienna Convention on Diplomatic Relations.

Distinction Between Peoples and Regimes

Dr. Al-Zuba clarified that Yemen distinguishes between the Iranian people, who share historical and cultural ties with the Yemeni people, and the policies of the Iranian regime, which focus on financing and arming militias and destabilizing the region.

Call for International Action

The minister called on the international community to take a firm stance against Iranian interventions in Yemen, support the legitimate government in restoring state institutions, cut off funding sources for the Houthi terrorist militia, and enforce Security Council resolutions regarding the arms embargo and accountability for its supporters.

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