Iran says ready to help resolve Yemen-Saudi Arabia issues through diplomacy

Iranian Foreign Ministry spokesman Esmaeil Baghaei said late on Friday that the Islamic Republic of Iran is prepared to help resolve issues between Yemen and Saudi Arabia through dialogue and diplomacy. Speaking to reporters, Baghaei reiterated Iran's principled position on the need for dialogue between the two sides and said Iran has always been ready to make its utmost efforts to help bring an end to the conflicts and remains ready to use all its capacities toward this goal.

Baghaei pointed to the history of conflict between Saudi Arabia and Yemen and noted that developments over the past 12 years have shown that foreign intervention, a military approach, and a blockade do not constitute a solution to the crisis in Yemen. He said that for more than a decade, the people of Yemen have withstood a naval and aerial blockade and endured the consequences of what he described as an unjust siege, orchestrated by extra-regional actors, particularly the United Kingdom and the United States, with exemplary patience. He added that it is expected that countries of the region and the Islamic world will make a concerted effort to bring an end to this situation.

In response to a claim made by a Saudi Foreign Ministry official regarding Iran's role in encouraging Yemenis to attack Saudi Arabia, Baghaei stated that the Islamic Republic of Iran rejects any such allegations concerning its involvement in Yemeni operations. He emphasized that resolving the situation in Yemen requires respect for the country's national sovereignty and territorial integrity, the cessation of all interference in its internal affairs, and most importantly an end to the air and naval blockade imposed on the country. Baghaei said that Yemeni Armed Forces act based on their own interests and assessments, and such claims are not credible to those familiar with the relations between Iran and its allies. He added that Iran does not consider an escalation of tensions to be in anyone's interest.

According to Mehr News, the remarks were made in response to questions from reporters and come amid ongoing regional tensions. The spokesman's comments underscore Iran's stated position that diplomatic dialogue, rather than military intervention, is the path to resolving the Yemen conflict.