UN Envoy to Yemen discusses Red Sea escalation with Iranian officials

The office of the UN Envoy to Yemen announced today that Special Envoy Hans Grundberg concluded his visit to Tehran, where he held talks with Iranian Foreign Minister Abbas Araghchi and other Iranian officials regarding the recent military escalations in the Red Sea.

According to the Envoy's office, Grundberg discussed growing security concerns during the meetings, emphasizing that the escalation in the Red Sea threatens regional stability and undermines international peace efforts in Yemen. 

The discussions also covered the need for regional and international support for efforts to promote peace and ensure the security of maritime navigation in the region.

The office further stated that Grundberg stressed the need to return to constructive negotiations as the only viable path to a comprehensive and lasting solution to the conflict in Yemen. 

During the talks, Grundberg reiterated the Secretary-General’s call for the immediate release of UN employees detained by the Houthis in Sanaa. According to the statement, their release would help to build trust and improve the chances of reaching a political settlement to the conflict.

The UN Envoy’s visit to Tehran coincided with diplomatic efforts in Riyadh, where foreign ambassadors met with officials from Yemen’s internationally recognized government.

Additionally, the Chairman of the Presidential Leadership Council Rashad Al-Alimi met with the US Ambassador to Yemen, Steven Fagin. According to the official Saba news agency, the meeting addressed the “ongoing terrorist escalation by the Houthi militias, supported by the Iranian regime."

Diplomatic efforts to de-escalate the conflict, push the Houthis toward peace talks, and secure the release of UN employees held by the Houthis were key topics according to the report, as was support for development projects to protect Yemeni heritage.