On Monday, October 28, 2024, Sultan Al-Arada, a member of Yemen's Presidential Leadership Council, cautioned the international community about the ongoing efforts of the Houthis to align Yemen with Iran's clerical regime.

During a virtual meeting with European Union ambassadors, Al-Arada emphasized that the Iranian regime is attempting to exploit Yemen's strategic geopolitical position to further its expansionist ambitions, using the country as a base for destabilizing activities and threatening maritime navigation in one of the world’s most critical trade routes.

According to the official Yemeni news agency Saba, the discussion covered various issues of mutual interest, including the latest political, economic, military, and security developments in Yemen. Al-Arada highlighted the dire humanitarian crisis and the difficult living conditions faced by most Yemenis due to the ongoing conflict initiated by the internationally designated terrorist group, the Houthis, over a decade ago, with direct support from the Iranian regime.

In his remarks to the ambassadors, Al-Arada praised the strong relations between Yemen and European countries, acknowledging the EU's significant contributions to alleviating the humanitarian suffering of Yemenis in recent years.

He reaffirmed the Council's commitment to supporting the efforts of the UN special envoy to Yemen, aiming for a comprehensive, just, and sustainable peace in accordance with locally, regionally, and internationally agreed-upon frameworks that meet the demands of the Yemeni people and restore state institutions.

Al-Arada also addressed the real threats to the peace process in Yemen, noting the failure of negotiations and regional and international efforts amidst the Houthis' continued escalation in the Red Sea and across various fronts, insisting on their agenda to turn Yemen into a battleground for regional and international conflicts.

In response, EU representatives reiterated their support for the Presidential Council and the recognized Yemeni government in implementing political and economic reforms and stabilizing living conditions in Yemen. They expressed appreciation for the Council's commitment to facilitating regional and international efforts aimed at achieving comprehensive peace.

The virtual meeting included the EU’s head of mission in Yemen, Gabriel Munuera, Italy’s special envoy to Yemen, Gianfranco Petruzzella, and ambassadors from several EU member states, including France, Germany, Spain, and the Netherlands.