Omani-Saudi delegation to Sanaa: Is Yemen nearing the end of the crisis?

In light of the political understandings and the rapprochement agreements reached among the countries of the region, it seems that the Yemeni crisis may reach its final stage.

Hopes revived, two sources confirmed to Reuters that “a Saudi-Omani delegation will hold ceasefire talks with the Houthi militia in Sana’a”.

According to the sources, “the delegation intends to travel to the Yemeni capital Sanaa next week, with the aim of reaching a permanent ceasefire agreement with Houthi officials and ending the country’s eight-year conflict”.

“If an agreement is reached, the warring parties in Yemen could announce an agreement ahead of the Eid al-Fitr holiday, which begins on April 20, according to the two sources participating in the talks”.

But Saudi Arabia, Yemen and Oman have yet to issue any official comment denying or confirming the report.

Signs of a Coming Visit

The visit of Saudi officials to Sanaa is an indication of progress in Oman-mediated talks between Saudi Arabia and the Iranian-allied Houthi militias.

The upcoming talks will coincide with UN peace efforts aimed at reaching a permanent ceasefire in Yemen.

This visit and the anticipated agreement indicate that “regional differences are receding in the wake of Saudi Arabia’s and Iran’s agreement to restore relations last month”.

Saudi-Iran deal paved way

The resumption of diplomatic relations between Saudi Arabia and Iran heralded the impending ceasefire in Yemen.

The agreement will help ease tensions in the region, including the Yemeni crisis, experts said.

Earlier, Iran’s UN representative announced that “the resumption of political relations between Iran and Saudi Arabia will accelerate the achievement of a truce in Yemen”.

The Iranian mission to the United Nations said the resumption of relations between Riyadh and Tehran will also contribute to “the launch of a popular dialog in Yemen and the establishment of an inclusive national government”.