UN Special Envoy for Yemen Hans Grundberg concluded his visit to Iran on Wednesday, September 18, 2024, reporting "frank and constructive" discussions with Iranian officials on pressing issues, including regional developments undermining his mediation efforts in Yemen.

According to a statement released by Grundberg's office, the envoy met with Iranian Foreign Minister Abbas Araqchi, senior officials, and diplomats during his visit.

Grundberg addressed recent escalations in the Red Sea, highlighting broader security concerns and the potential for further instability in the region. He emphasized the urgent need for a resumption of constructive negotiations, reiterating that dialogue is the only sustainable path to peace and stability in Yemen.

The statement also highlighted the importance of coordinated regional and international efforts to push for a comprehensive and lasting solution to the conflict. "Joint efforts are essential to overcome the challenges posed by the conflict and ensure a peaceful settlement that meets the aspirations of the Yemeni people," Grundberg stated.

He further emphasized the importance of releasing all detained colleagues, stating that "I have made it a priority to support the Secretary-General's urgent call for the release of all detained colleagues. They must be released without delay to foster the hope and trust needed to move forward."

Grundberg's visit to Iran follows a similar visit to the United Kingdom on September 13, where he held "high-level" meetings with senior officials. His office stated that these meetings focused on "strengthening international efforts to support Yemen's path to stability, ensuring a coordinated approach to overcome current challenges, and promoting lasting solutions."

The envoy highlighted the economic challenges, increasing tensions in the Red Sea, and broader regional dynamics during his meetings. He stressed that "unified regional and international support for the UN's mediation efforts in Yemen is crucial to effectively address the urgent needs of the Yemeni people and pave the way for a peace process that makes any progress sustainable and irreversible."

In December 2023, the UN announced that Yemeni parties had reached understandings to commit to a set of measures including a nationwide ceasefire, measures to improve living conditions in Yemen, and engagement in preparations for a comprehensive political process under UN auspices.

However, the roadmap and peace efforts in Yemen have stalled since November 2023 due to attacks by the Houthi group, designated a terrorist organization by several countries, against commercial shipping vessels in the Red Sea, the Arabian Sea, and the Gulf of Aden.