Iran’s Foreign Minister and Qatar’s Foreign Minister, who also serves as Prime Minister, have emphasized the importance of preserving Yemen’s territorial integrity and unity amid escalating clashes in the south.
During a phone conversation, Abbas Araghchi and Sheikh Mohammed bin Abdulrahman bin Jassim Al Thani discussed regional developments as well as recent events in Yemen.
Tensions in Yemen intensified on December 3 as the UAE-allied Southern Transitional Council (STC) forces seized control of Hadramout after clashes with Saudi-backed militants.
The STC subsequently extended its reach into the eastern governorate of al-Mahrah without encountering any reported resistance and has been recruiting local forces in both regions.
After the recent military expansion of the STC, Saudi Arabia carried out airstrikes on Friday, targeting STC positions. These included several sites used by the Hadrami Elite Forces in the Ghayl bin Yamin area near key oil fields. Reports indicate no casualties or damage to military equipment as a result of the strikes.
The STC announced on Friday that it is open to collaboration or agreements aimed at protecting what it referred to as mutual interests with Saudi Arabia, while addressing the aspirations of the southern Yemeni population.
The UAE has been a pivotal partner in the US-supported, Saudi-led war against Yemen and the Ansarallah-led government in Sana’a, which began in 2015. At the same time, Riyadh and Abu Dhabi have been engaged in a rivalry for control over Yemen’s resources and critical ports.
Critics argue that both countries are collaborating to divide Yemen in ways that align with their own agendas. They suggest that the push for local autonomy is merely a façade, concealing a deeper quest for influence, with Hadramout becoming a focal point of this competitive power struggle.
In addition to Yemen, the ministers expressed concern over the situation in Palestine and Lebanon, citing continued Israeli attacks and violations of ceasefire agreements.
They underlined the need for international pressure on Israel to halt actions targeting civilians and to adhere to its commitments.
