Speaking today during a visit to Spain, Iranian Foreign Minister Javad Zarif urged an immediate ceasefire in Yemen, saying the Saudi airstrikes and planned invasion are only worsening the country’s problems.
“Aerial bombardments are not an answer because there is nothing of military value to bomb in Yemen,” noted Zarif. The Red Cross has been urging a humanitarian ceasefire as well, with Russia also expressing support.
Saudi officials, however, have reacted with annoyance to any suggestion of a ceasefire in the war, saying that the war will continue until former President Hadi is reinstalled as Yemen’s ruler. Saudi Foreign Ministry officials claimed calls for a ceasefire are “interference” in their affairs.
With the US increasingly involved in the Saudi war, any UN resolutions calling for a ceasefire are likely to be vetoed by the Obama Administration. US warplanes and ships have both participated in operations.
