Al-Alimi: The Houthis' escalation in the Red Sea is an extension of an Iranian approach and not related to the Gaza war.

Arab Sea Newspaper - Follow-ups:

The head of Yemen's Presidential Leadership Council, Rashad al-Alimi, said that the Houthi group's threats to international navigation are not related to the course of the war in Gaza, stressing that they are part of an "Iranian strategic system aimed at pressuring the international community and achieving political gains." Al-Alimi's remarks came during his meeting in Aden with the British Minister of State for the Middle East and North Africa, James Cleverly, who is visiting Yemen for the first time in seven years at this diplomatic level. According to the official news agency "Saba," the two sides discussed political and humanitarian developments, efforts to protect international trade routes, as well as the Houthi escalation and its cross-border threats. During the meeting, Al-Alimi stressed the government and the Leadership Council's commitment to the peace option according to the basic references, foremost of which is UN Resolution 2216, pointing out that any political settlement must guarantee that weapons are confined to the state and not grant the Houthis any privileges that encourage them to rebel or enhance their influence. He also pointed to the expansion of smuggling activities linked to the Houthis, based on what was revealed by the UN Panel of Experts report, calling on the United Kingdom to strengthen its efforts to stop the flow of Iranian weapons, and develop monitoring and sanctions tools that limit the group's ability to escalate. On the economic front, Al-Alimi reviewed the reform steps taken by the government and the Central Bank to enhance financial stability, stressing the need for international support to reactivate the financing of international financial institutions and build on the progress made during the past period. He also praised British support for programs to develop the capabilities of the coast guard and support the humanitarian operation in Yemen. For his part, British Minister James Cleverly affirmed London's support for the Leadership Council and the Yemeni government, stressing his country's commitment to working with the United Nations to restore the political process and enhance the capabilities of Yemenis to protect vital sea lanes in the Red Sea and the Gulf of Aden.