On December 19, 2024, Tariq Saleh, a member of Yemen's Presidential Leadership Council, emphasized the need to prioritize the interests of the Yemeni people above all else. His remarks followed a series of meetings in Riyadh with ambassadors from key countries involved in the Yemeni crisis.

In the wake of recent developments in Syria and the fall of the Assad regime, political and diplomatic activity has intensified in the Saudi capital, driven by the internationally recognized Yemeni government and global stakeholders.

In a post on X (monitored by Barran Press), Saleh stated, "The only way to save Yemen from external and internal conflicts is for the Houthi group to heed the voice of the people, disarm, and cease its oppression and tyranny. They must yield to the people's desire for a stable and prosperous Yemen that prioritizes national interests over sectarian divides."

He further urged unity among Yemenis, saying, "May God protect Yemen and its resilient people," and called for collective efforts to end sectarian and racial agendas, reinforcing the need to place the people's welfare first.

This push for action in Riyadh comes in light of recent setbacks for Tehran in Syria and Lebanon, particularly following Hezbollah's reduced influence and the collapse of Assad's regime. These shifts have sparked hope among Yemenis for a similar scenario that could lead to the Houthis' downfall with minimal cost, especially after Iran's challenges in Lebanon and its diminished control over Damascus.