MUSCAT, Oman — On January 6, 2025, Hans Grundberg, the United Nations Special Envoy to Yemen, called for tangible actions to pave the way for a political process in the country. His remarks came during meetings in Muscat with Omani officials, including Khalifa bin Ali Al-Harthi, Deputy Foreign Minister, and other senior officials.

According to a brief statement from the envoy’s office shared on social media platform X, Grundberg concluded his visit to Muscat after discussing collaborative efforts to enhance peace in Yemen.

The statement highlighted that Grundberg also met with Mohammed Abdulsalam, the head of the Houthi negotiating delegation, where he urged the immediate and unconditional release of detained United Nations personnel, civil society members, and diplomatic missions. He emphasized this as essential to demonstrating commitment to peace efforts.

Local media reported that Grundberg arrived in Sana'a later that day to hold discussions with Houthi leaders. His visit aims to negotiate the release of UN personnel detained by the Iran-backed group since June 2024.

On December 23, the UN announced that Yemeni parties had reached agreements on a series of measures, including a nationwide ceasefire, steps to improve living conditions, and preparations to resume an inclusive political process under UN auspices.

However, the peace roadmap and efforts have stalled due to Houthi attacks on commercial shipping in the Red Sea, Arabian Sea, and Gulf of Aden since November.