Iran escalates in Yemen through Houthis, turning Sana’a into a platform for regional and international score-settling, says Minister.

Minister Warns of Increased Iranian Presence

The Minister of Information, Culture, and Tourism, Muammar Al-Eryani, has raised alarms about the arrival of leaders from Iraq’s Popular Mobilization Forces, Lebanon’s Hezbollah, and Iranian experts in the capital city of Sana’a. This influx occurs under the guise of the “Third Conference for Palestine,” aimed at bolstering coordination among what is termed the “Axis of Resistance.”

Escalating Tensions in Yemen

In a recent press statement, Al-Eryani characterized these movements as a dangerous escalation that clearly reveals Iran’s intentions to heighten tensions in Yemen. He emphasized that Iran seeks to transform Yemeni territory into a battleground for settling regional scores, thereby threatening international interests. This action blatantly defies international resolutions and perpetuates Iran’s destructive agenda in the region and beyond.

Iran’s Role in Supporting Houthi Militias

Al-Eryani pointed out that Iran has played a pivotal role for years in arming and supporting the Houthi militias. This support has turned the Houthis into a tool for destabilizing Yemen and achieving Iran’s goals of undermining regional stability and expanding its military influence. The Yemeni people bear the brunt of this conflict, as Iran continues to send more weapons and military experts to Sana’a. They exploit Sana’a Airport and the maritime routes controlled by the militia to fuel the war and empower the Houthis, disregarding international arms embargoes.

Direct Iranian Support for Houthi Operations

The minister warned of the increasing direct support from Iran and its affiliated militias to enhance Houthi military operations. He described Yemen as a potential battleground for regional conflict and a new supply line for the “Axis of Resistance.” Al-Eryani stated that this Iranian military expansion in Yemen threatens not only the country’s security but also poses a direct risk to regional safety and international navigation. He asserted that the Houthis serve merely as an Iranian instrument to destabilize the region and impose Tehran’s agenda in the Red Sea and Bab al-Mandab.

Call for International Action

In light of these developments, Al-Eryani urged for stringent measures to prevent Yemen from becoming a military foothold for Iran and its allies. He called for the prohibition of travel for Houthi leaders and their inclusion on international sanctions lists. Additionally, he advocated for banning the entry of Popular Mobilization Forces and Iranian and Lebanese experts into Yemen. Enhanced monitoring of air travel and maritime routes is essential to halt the smuggling of weapons, experts, and fighters. He also proposed international oversight of Sana’a Airport to prevent its use as a military corridor instead of a humanitarian passage.

A Plea for Global Responsibility

Al-Eryani emphasized that international silence on this issue is no longer an option. He stressed the urgent need for decisive global action to curb Iranian interference in Yemen before its repercussions escalate, threatening regional and global security. He warned that if the destructive Iranian project is not contained today, everyone will pay the price tomorrow.

He reiterated that the world faces a historical responsibility. Ignoring blatant Iranian interventions equates to complicity in undermining security and stability in Yemen and the surrounding region. He renewed his call for immediate international action to address this chaos before it is too late.

To follow the news in Arabic