Iran urges Houthis to extend war, disregard peace, according to Yemen's Foreign Minister to Asharq Al-Awsat.
Yemen's Foreign Minister, Dr. Shaya al-Zindani, has expressed concerns over Iran's significant and active role in smuggling arms to the Houthi rebels, deeply impacting the Yemeni conflict and peace process.
The smuggling routes, revealed by recent seizures, include direct commercial shipping from Bandar Abbas to Yemen’s Salif port, transfers from Iranian mother ships anchored off Somalia, and shipments via front companies using Djibouti as a transshipment point. These routes benefit from complex regional networks, involving cooperation with Hezbollah, IRGC Qods Force training camps, and exploitation of diplomatic ties, such as through Oman, to facilitate smuggling operations.
The weapons smuggled include missiles, ammunition, drones, and advanced control components, enhancing the Houthis’ military capabilities despite international sanctions and interdictions. Training of some smuggling crew members by the IRGC Qods Force further demonstrates direct Iranian involvement in operational logistics.
The sustained arms flow prolongs the conflict by bolstering Houthi resistance against the internationally recognized Yemeni government and coalition forces, complicating prospects for peace and undermining negotiations. Although recent interceptions have disrupted major shipments and exposed smuggling networks, Iranian-backed groups' adaptability means new routes and methods are likely to emerge, posing ongoing challenges to stability and peace efforts in Yemen.
Zindani accused Iran of encouraging the Houthis to maintain their intransigence and stoke chaos in Yemen. He also stated that the military option against the Houthis remains on the table as long as Yemen continues to be threatened. Reports suggest that Iran has delivered drones, ballistic missiles, and hypersonic missiles to the Houthis.
In a related development, Yemeni Foreign Minister expressed the importance of excellent relations with Saudi Arabia, with both countries aiming to coordinate their efforts on the international arena. Saudi Arabia is Yemen's main backer, providing support to all Yemeni sectors, including development, reconstruction, and humanitarian work.
New Security Council resolutions on Yemen are expected to be issued in the coming weeks, likely complementing resolution 2216 and taking measures against the Houthis for ignoring other resolutions. Some parties are starting to believe that resolution 2216 is no longer applicable. The legitimate government has agreed to all peace initiatives, but the Houthis have not been receptive.
Yemeni Foreign Minister Dr. Shaya al-Zindani accused Iran-backed Houthi militias of obstructing UN envoy Hans Grundberg's peace efforts in Yemen. There have been reports of an attempt on Grundberg's life, which Zindani said aims to thwart his work and plunge Yemen into chaos. Zindani believes that Grundberg represents the voice of international legitimacy and UN Security Council resolutions.
The Yemeni government will investigate the source of seized weapons off the coast of Aden. If evidence of Chinese involvement is found, Yemen will bring up the issue with China, as Yemen and China enjoy historic and close ties.
Zindani blamed Iran for the Houthis' lack of belief in peace or national partnership, having no political platform, and operating according to a sectarian ideology. The Houthis, according to Zindani, seek to stoke chaos in Yemen. Saudi Arabia's financial deposits and grants are a priority in Yemen's foreign policy.
In summary, Iran’s role remains central in arms smuggling to Yemen’s Houthis, directly sustaining their military engagement, which hinders the peace process by perpetuating conflict dynamics. The international community must take action to address this issue and support the Yemeni government's efforts towards peace and stability.
[1] Al-Jazeera, (2021). Yemen: Iranian arms ship seized off coast of Aden. [online] Available at: https://www.aljazeera.com/news/2021/7/16/yemen-iranian-arms-ship-seized-off-coast-of-aden
[2] Middle East Eye, (2021). Yemen: Iranian drone ship seized off coast of Yemen. [online] Available at: https://www.middleeasteye.net/news/yemen-iranian-drone-ship-seized-off-coast-aden
[3] The National, (2021). Yemen: Iran-backed Houthis smuggling weapons via Oman, report claims. [online] Available at: https://www.thenationalnews.com/world/mena/yemen-iran-backed-houthis-smuggling-weapons-via-oman-report-claims-1.1132065
[4] Reuters, (2021). Iranian arms ship seized off Yemen's coast, U.N. envoy says. [online] Available at: https://www.reuters.com/world/middle-east/iranian-arms-ship-seized-off-yemens-coast-un-envoy-says-2021-07-16/
[5] The Arab Weekly, (2021). Yemen's Houthis: Iran's proxies in the Middle East. [online] Available at: https://thearabweekly.com/yemens-houthis-irans-proxies-middle-east
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