Saudi Arabia suggested a new peace plan to cease the Yemen conflict

On Monday, the Kingdom’s Minister of Foreign Affairs Prince Faisal bin Farhan stated that Saudi Arabia has suggested a new peace initiative to cease the current conflict in Yemen between the internationally-recognized government and the Iran-backed Houthis.

During a press conference in Riyadh, Prince Faisal said that the new initiative comprises a nationwide ceasefire that would be applied under the supervision of the United Nations, adding that political negotiations between the Yemeni government and the Houthis would also resume under the initiative.

Prince Faisal also stated: We will work with the international community, with our partners and with the government of Yemen to push toward this initiative being implemented. We will do all we can to put the necessary pressure on the Houthis to accept and to come to the negotiating table and to lay down arms, because we believe that a stop to the fighting and a focus on a political solution is the only way forward.

According to the minister, if the two sides agree to the deal, Sanaa airport would reopen, which would allow the imports of fuel and food via the Hodeidah port.

Iran’s interference in Yemen

Prince Faisal also indicated that the Kingdom refuses Iran’s intervention in Yemen and also its exports of ballistic missiles to the Houthis, calling the Houthis to accept the peace plan to cease the conflict. He also said that Iran has been providing militias in the region with weapons and has led to the destabilization of many countries.

Prince Faisal also noted that the initiative will take effect as soon as the Houthis agree to it, adding: It is up to the Houthis now, and we are ready to go today. We hope that we can have a ceasefire immediately. The Houthis must decide whether to put their interests first or Iran’s interests first.

Iran supports the Houthis in their war against the government by providing the group with ballistic missiles, drones, and other military weapons. The minister repeated that Saudi Arabia would continue to support the people of Yemen and their government.

He also said: We will nonetheless continue to support the people of Yemen and the government of Yemen, and we will continue to protect our borders and our citizens and our infrastructure from Houthi attacks.