– On Saturday, November 23, 2024, former Yemeni President Ali Nasser Muhammad clarified his relationship with the Iran-backed Houthi group, which is internationally classified as a terrorist organization, and his views on Iran's role in operating the Aden refinery.

*To view the full interview, click here.

In an interview with Barran Press, Muhammad addressed recent discussions surrounding his connections with Iran and its regional proxies, including the Houthis. He criticized what he described as a narrow focus on certain aspects of his relationships while overlooking their positive contributions, calling this an "oversimplification of the facts."

He emphasized that his actions have always aimed to serve Yemen and its people, stating, "Our loyalty is to the homeland above all, and our efforts always seek to ensure Yemen's interests and stability."

Reflecting on his presidency of the Democratic Republic of Yemen, Muhammad noted that he was proactive in fostering dialogue and resolving conflicts, including outreach to the northern government and strengthening ties with regional nations such as Saudi Arabia, the UAE, and Kuwait, culminating in the normalization of relations with Oman.

He mentioned that during his tenure, balanced diplomatic and trade relations were established with countries worldwide, including Iran, describing their relationship as one based on mutual interests, particularly in oil refining.

Muhammad stated that "Iran was refining more than three million tons of oil at the Aden refinery, which helped sustain its operation and support the national economy, especially after many friendly nations declined to provide that support."

He stressed that relationships with any country were founded on mutual interests and respect for national sovereignty, similar to other regional nations maintaining diplomatic and trade ties with Iran, including regular diplomatic missions and daily flights.

Regarding his relationship with internal factions, including the Iran-aligned Houthis, he expressed, "We maintain relationships with all Yemeni parties, including Ansar Allah (the Houthis), the Southern Transitional Council, and other political forces for the benefit of Yemen's security, sovereignty, and prosperity."

He reiterated that Yemen, having suffered from past and present conflicts, needs a solution through dialogue among all Yemeni components, both domestically and internationally.

Muhammad acknowledged the Houthis' participation in the national dialogue, including the Kuwait talks and their recent discussions with Saudi Arabia under Omani mediation, stating, "We support this dialogue as a pathway to security and peace in Yemen and the region, asserting that there is no solution in Yemen except through a national project and inclusive dialogue."