Iran says not to allow siege of Yemen

Tehran, May 5: Iran will not allow the Saudi-led coalition to lay siege to Yemen, Deputy Foreign Minister for Arab and African Affairs Hossein Amir-Abdollahian said on Tuesday, Xinhua news agency reported. “We will continue to send our humanitarian aid to Yemen and never allow the siege of the country,” Amir-Abdollahian was quoted as saying by semi-official Tasnim news agency. “The security of the region and Iran is intertwined with the security of Yemen,” he said. Amir-Abdollahian accused Saudi intelligence agencies of having connections with terrorists in Yemen, saying Saudi Arabia’s attack on Yemen and involvement with terrorists endanger the security of other countries in the region.

On Saturday, Amir-Abdollahian reiterated Iran’s call for a diplomatic solution to the Yemen crisis, reaffirming Tehran’s support for dialogue among the conflicting sides in Yemen.

Fierce battles raged on in Yemen between the Shia Houthi group and tribal militia loyal to President Abd-Rabbu Mansour Hadi. More than 1,000 people have been killed and 3,000 injured in the fighting and the airstrikes, which started late March. Saudi-led forces reportedly continue to carry out bombardments against the Houthi group in Yemen despite an announcement in late April to halt the air raids.

On Monday, Saudi Foreign Minister Adel Al Jubeir said in a statement that the coalition was considering pauses in the airstrikes to facilitate aid delivery. Saudi Arabia accuses Iran of arming and fincing Houthi fighters, an accusation Tehran rejects. (IANS)