Yemen war could resume unless parties reach new truce deal

Hans Grundberg, the UN special representative for Yemen, has raised concerns over the looming threat of renewed violence in the Arab world’s poorest country unless its rival factions work out a new ceasefire agreement.

The UN’s top official in Yemen said the situation in the conflict-ravaged country was fragile nearly a year after the internationally recognised government and the Iran-supported Houthi rebels failed to renew a truce deal brokered by the UN.

While the conflict has remained subdued since then, with only occasional clashes reported, Grundberg said a resumption of an all-out war was a possibility. He highlighted the “risk of a flare-up” before AP, stressing the situation will remain fragile until a deal is reached.

Saudi-Houthi Discussions Gaining Momentum

The failure to renew the ceasefire agreement was a blow to global efforts to find a permanent settlement to the conflict, which has devastated Yemen and triggered one of the worst humanitarian disasters in the world.

Things turned sour in 2014 when the Houthis seized the capital of Sanaa, compelling the government to escape to the south and then into exile in Saudi Arabia. Grundberg noted the warring factions have separately been involved in peace efforts in recent months.

But he stressed the need for more effort in order to establish a firm ceasefire and restart political discussions on finding a permanent end to the conflict. The envoy welcomed efforts to bring back peace to Yemen, including direct talks between Saudi Arabia and the rebels.

Saudi Arabia & Iran Deliver Sign Of Warming Relations

The Saudi-Houthi discussions gained momentum when the Kingdom reached a deal with Iran in March to re-establish diplomatic relations after a rift lasting seven years. Ties between the two countries took an unpleasant route in 2015 following a Saudi-led intervention in the Yemen war.

China played a notable role in facilitating the restoration. Following talks between Chinese Premier Xi Jinping and Iran’s Ebrahim Raisi in Beijing last February, the then Secretary of Iran’s Supreme National Security Council Ali Shamkhani held negotiations with his Saudi counterpart.

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Intensive discussions lasting days covered ways to find an effective solution to multiple issues affecting ties between Tehran and Riyadh. Eventually, the re-establishment of diplomatic relations was officially announced in a joint statement by China, Saudi Arabia and Iran.