Iran's Foreign Minister Abbas Araghchi stated on Saturday that there is no military solution to the ongoing conflict between Saudi Arabia and the Tehran-backed Houthi rebels in Yemen. Araghchi called for dialogue to address the escalating tensions, which have seen both sides engaging in attacks. He emphasized that the situation in Yemen cannot be solely attributed to Iran and that the incidents in the Bab al-Mandab Strait are rooted in long-standing disputes among regional countries.
Renewed Conflict
The conflict between the Houthis and Saudi Arabia, which had been largely dormant since a UN-negotiated truce in 2022, has recently intensified. The Houthis have declared a blockade of Saudi ports and claimed attacks on tankers, threatening Saudi Arabia's supply routes. This comes amid Iran's parallel blockade of the Strait of Hormuz, the kingdom's only other maritime route.
Call for Dialogue
In an interview with the state-run Iran Daily newspaper, Araghchi stressed the importance of dialogue to resolve the crisis. He noted that the maritime blockade by the Houthis only affects the Saudi side and is not blocking traffic through the Bab al-Mandeb Strait. Araghchi's comments highlight Iran's stance on the need for a diplomatic solution to the Yemen conflict.
