Barran Press - Monitoring Unit:
The appointment of a new Iranian "ambassador" to the Houthi-controlled capital Sana'a has sparked widespread reactions from Yemenis, who question the envoy's arrival and the timing of the announcement.
The Houthi group, designated as a terrorist organization by several countries, revealed the identity of the new envoy, Ali Mohammad Ramzani, on Tuesday, August 27, 2024. The announcement came amidst uncertainty surrounding the envoy's entry into Sana'a, which remains under Houthi control.
The Yemeni news agency Saba, under Houthi control, reported that the group's Foreign Minister, Jamal Amer, received the new Iranian envoy, presenting him with a copy of his credentials.
The appearance of a new ambassador in Sana'a has prompted widespread reactions from Yemenis, who questioned how he managed to enter the country and why the announcement was made at this particular moment, especially considering the Saudi-Iranian agreement, direct Houthi-Saudi negotiations, and UN efforts to end the war and establish peace in the country.
Yemeni politicians, journalists, and activists have described the move as "provocative," viewing it as a message from Iran that it intends to strengthen its influence in Yemen, regardless of the international efforts to de-escalate the conflict and facilitate peace talks.
Barran Press has collected prominent comments and writings on this topic, shared by activists on social media under the hashtag "#New_Ruler_of_Sanaa_Ali_Ramzani." These comments largely confirm the perception of the Houthis as mere tools of Iran, considering the Iranian regime's dispatch of a representative to Sana'a as a military threat to Yemen and the region.
Unprincipled Act
Comedian Mohammad Al-Adhra'i, in a series of tweets on X, stated that "Tehran sending a new representative to Yemen is a direct message from Iran to the world, revealing the reality of its control over the Houthis' decisions and their use as a pawn in its negotiations with the international community."
He added in another tweet, "There are speculations that Iran sent Ali Ramzani on one of the flights coming from Jordan, unlike the previous ambassador who died under mysterious circumstances after being transported on a humanitarian flight from Sana'a to Oman in December 2021."
He continued, "The Houthis are merely tools in the hands of the Iranian regime to destabilize security and stability in Yemen and the region. Iran uses them to implement its destructive agenda and export its revolution, turning Yemen into a war zone and destroying it."
Al-Adhra'i considered "Tehran's insistence on appointing a new representative to the Houthis under the title of ambassador an irresponsible and unprincipled act towards a coup group and militia that does not respect international norms or Yemeni law."
Ruler of Sana'a
Aseel Al-Saqladi, director of the media center for the Southern Giants Brigades, commented on a picture of Ramzani, saying, "This Iranian is the godfather of the Houthis, not an ambassador as Iran claims."
He added in a tweet on X, "Ali Ramzani was sent by Tehran to Sana'a to be the ruler of the areas under its control in Yemen, controlling and leading its terrorist Houthi militia, succeeding the deceased Hassan Irloo. This is an indication of its intention to escalate again."
In another tweet, Al-Saqladi stated, "Tehran is sending the deputy commander of the Iranian Revolutionary Guard in Iraq, Brigadier General Ali Mohammad Rezaei, to Sana'a to lead its Revolutionary Guard and its Houthi tools in Yemen. He was sent as Iran's ambassador to the Houthi militia. No country sends an ambassador to a terrorist group unless it is a terrorist state like Iran. This is an indication that Yemen is facing a new chapter of Houthi-Iranian military escalation, and we will be ready to face them."
A Challenge to All
Sami al-Kaf, a political writer and researcher, asserted that Iran is flaunting its defiance by appointing a new ambassador, Ali Ramzani, to the Houthi militia, which seized power through force. He emphasized that this move, coming three years after the death of the previous Iranian ambassador, Hassan Irloo, sends a clear message to regional powers.
Al-Kaf highlighted that Iran is solidifying its grip on its armed proxy in Yemen, a strategic objective it refuses to relinquish despite changing circumstances. He argued that any political process regarding Yemen must involve Iran, as it positions itself as a major player in both the Arabian Peninsula and the Middle East.
He further criticized Iran's disregard for UN Security Council Resolution 2216 and the China-brokered agreement in March 2023 to resume diplomatic relations between Saudi Arabia and Iran. This agreement aimed to foster dialogue and non-interference in the internal affairs of neighboring countries. However, Iran's continued support for armed militias in Syria, Lebanon, Iraq, and Yemen undermines this commitment, according to al-Kaf.
He concluded that Iran's actions constitute a blatant challenge to the international community, perpetuating its destabilizing policies that have turned Yemen into a fiery conflict threatening its neighbors. This move is seen as a step towards Iran's ultimate goal of becoming a dominant force in the region.
Fueling the Conflict
Hassan Mohammed al-Qatwi, an academic researcher and political analyst, described the Iranian ambassador as a mere agent tasked with fueling the conflict and providing logistical support to the Houthis. He accused the ambassador of engaging in subversive activities, including weapons smuggling, training, and military consultation, prolonging the war and hindering peace efforts.
Al-Qatwi highlighted Iran's relentless efforts to send a representative from the Iranian Revolutionary Guard Corps to the Houthi militia, effectively making him the new ruler after the death of his predecessor, Irloo. He accused Iran of blatant support for the Houthi militia, extending military, logistical, economic, and media assistance.
He condemned Iran's brazen appointment of a new representative to the Houthi militia under the guise of diplomacy, emphasizing that it is an irresponsible and unethical act towards a rebellious group and militia that disregards international norms and Yemeni law.
A Loss of Sovereignty
Abdullah Ismail, a media personality and political analyst, underscored the significance of the Iranian ambassador's arrival in Sana'a through clandestine means, emphasizing that it signifies the Houthis' betrayal of Yemeni sovereignty, identity, and geography. He asserted that Iran has proudly claimed Sana'a as its fourth capital, further solidifying its control over the country.