The United States Calls on Iran to Halt Weapon Transfers to Yemen’s Houthi Rebels
The United States has issued a strong call to Iran, urging the country to cease its transfer of an “unprecedented” amount of weaponry to Yemen’s Houthi rebels. According to US deputy ambassador Robert Wood, this transfer of weapons has enabled the Houthi fighters to carry out “reckless attacks” on ships in the Red Sea and other regions. Wood emphasized the need for collective action to address Iran’s destabilizing role in the conflict and to hold the country accountable for violating UN sanctions by providing advanced weapons, including ballistic and cruise missiles, to the Houthis.
Ongoing Violations of Arms Embargo
Wood highlighted the extensive evidence pointing to Iran’s involvement in arming the Houthi rebels and stressed the importance of strengthening enforcement and deterring sanctions violators. The US Maritime Administration reported that the Houthis have launched over 50 attacks on shipping, seized one vessel, and sunk another since November. While recent US-led airstrikes in Yemen have reduced Houthi attacks, the UN special envoy for Yemen, Hans Grundberg, cautioned that hostilities persist, with the rebels threatening to expand their scope of attacks.
Russian Ambassador Vassily Nebenzia expressed concerns about the escalating situation in the region following Israel’s military operation in Gaza. He called for a swift cessation of attacks on commercial vessels and criticized the US and its Western allies for their aggressive strikes in Yemen, which he deemed unjustified and in violation of the UN Charter.
Yemen’s Ongoing Conflict and Humanitarian Crisis
The conflict between the Houthi rebels and pro-government forces in Yemen, backed by a coalition of Gulf Arab states, has been ongoing since 2014. The violence has resulted in over 150,000 deaths and displaced 3 million people. Despite a truce in April 2022, hotspots of fighting still persist in the country.
Grundberg highlighted a previous agreement between the Houthis and the government to work towards a peaceful solution, including a nationwide ceasefire, humanitarian aid provisions, and a political process to end the conflict. However, UN humanitarian chief Martin Griffiths raised concerns about severe food deprivation and a worsening cholera outbreak in Yemen. Reports indicate a sharp increase in suspected cholera cases, particularly in Houthi-controlled areas, where hundreds of new cases are reported daily.
Looking Ahead
As the situation in Yemen remains volatile, it is crucial for all parties involved to prioritize peace efforts and address the humanitarian crisis affecting millions of Yemeni civilians. The international community must continue to hold Iran accountable for its role in arming the Houthi rebels and work towards a sustainable resolution to the conflict. With concerted efforts and diplomatic engagement, there is hope for a brighter future for Yemen and its people.