Iran seeks regional destabilization: Yemen envoy

Yemeni Ambassador to Kuwait Dr. Ali bin Safaa gives an exclusive interview to Al-Seyassah reporter Fares Ghaleb, discussing regional developments and Yemen-Kuwait relations

He stressed that Yemen will not allow a fait accompli that infringes on its sovereignty or transforms its airports and ports into tools to serve hostile regional schemes. He indicated that the Yemeni government exhausted all political, diplomatic and legal means before resorting to sovereign measures, which were taken after presenting the practical and legal initiatives and solutions that guarantee the continuation of civilian flights, protect the rights of citizens and ensure the safety of air navigation. He pointed out that Yemen acted responsibly and with restraint, ensuring to protect civilians and public properties, as well as preventing the escalation of confrontation. He reiterated that the actions of his country are considered the legitimate sovereign choice after all possible alternatives and solutions were rejected. He clarified that the Yemeni government did not close Sana’a Airport, as it rather supports efforts to guarantee the continuous operation of the airport for civilian flights legally and safely.

He said the legal solution lies in managing and operating flights through Yemen Airways – the national carrier – in accordance with technical, security and legal guarantees. He indicated that the government had earlier presented alternatives to ease travel for patients, students and citizens to and from all governorates without discrimination or selectivity. He added that protecting sovereignty and guaranteeing the right of citizens to travel are complementary and mutually exclusive objectives. He disclosed that the Houthi militia rejected the initiatives and legal solutions presented by the government, insisting on preventing Yemen Airways from managing and operating flights. He asserted that this move exacerbates the suffering of patients, students and travelers, as the Houthi militia exploited the suffering and humanitarian needs of citizens to achieve political and military goals and impose arrangements outside the authority of the state. He said those who besiege citizens and obstruct their travel are the same party that rejected legal solutions and prevented state institutions from fulfilling their duties.

He affirmed that the Yemeni government will not allow the Houthi militia to use the humanitarian situation to blackmail the international community or impose illegitimate political and military realities. He believes that the Houthi’s insistence reveals a truth that goes beyond civilian flights, as it could be an attempt to establish a rapid and regular supply line that enhances the military capabilities of the Houthi militia and bypasses traditional maritime smuggling networks. He added that this attempt gives the Iranian regime greater ability to transport experts, sensitive equipment, spare parts and military technologies within hours – a qualitative shift in the level of support provided to the militia. He warned that these movements may be aimed at bolstering the Houthis’ preparations to carry out new military operations at the Red Sea, threaten international navigation, attempt to impose a blockade or close the Bab al-Mandab Strait. He stated that the Red Sea and the strait are considered the strategic artery for global trade and energy supplies, such that any threat to them will not only affect Yemen or the region, but also the international economy and security. He emphasized that attempts to strengthen the Houthi militia’s missile, air and naval capabilities raise concerns about the use of Yemeni territory as a platform for targeting brotherly and friendly nations and their vital interests, threatening to expand the scope of the conflict and increase instability in the region.

He explained that the Iranian regime’s support for the Houthi militias has not been limited to political stances, but included the transfer of military expertise and technology, as well as the components for missiles, drones and naval weapons, making air route to Yemen a constant source of international concern. He cited the danger of the air bridge project, as it could be transformed into a means for resupplying militias with advanced military capabilities, enabling them to threaten commercial ships, ports, vital infrastructure and international shipping lanes. He called on the international community to treat the air bridge project between the Revolutionary Guard and the Houthi militia as a threat to regional and international peace and security, not merely a bilateral dispute over the airport operations or flight routes.

He stressed the need to take a clear stance to prevent the use of civilian aviation as cover for transporting experts, weapons and military technology. “It is important to take action to thwart the Iranian bridge project, not only to protect Yemeni sovereignty, but also to guarantee international maritime security and safeguard the interests of the international community. This will also prevent Yemen from becoming a platform for threatening the security of the Red Sea and neighboring countries,” he added. He affirmed that the attacks on Kuwait and other Gulf states reflect an approach based on destabilizing the region. He stressed that targeting civilian and vital facilities cannot be justified and constitutes a violation of international laws and norms. He said Kuwait and other Gulf states have exercised the utmost restraint throughout the past years despite the threats they faced. He indicated that Kuwait has always been known as a country of security, stability and humanitarian work, and has welcomed various nationalities without discrimination. He urged the Arab states to reassess their relationship with the Iranian regime and develop a unified Arab strategy for dealing with it. He said the problem is not with the Iranian people or Shiites, but rather with the policies of the Iranian regime, which uses sectarianism as a means to achieve its political goals.

On the Kuwaiti-Yemeni relations, he described them as historical and strong, and based on humanitarian and developmental support, disclosing that Kuwait was among the first countries to stand by Yemen, and that its support is not tied to political or economic interests, but rather stemmed from a steadfast humanitarian approach. He indicated that Kuwaiti projects are widespread in various Yemeni governorates, including schools, hospitals, institutes and infrastructure. He also cited the role played by Kuwaiti charitable organizations and the Kuwait Fund for Arab Economic Development in financing development projects and providing loans and facilities. He then expressed his deep appreciation for Kuwait, its leadership and its people, wishing them continuous security and stability. He confirmed that the Yemeni people have the highest regard for Kuwait for its unwavering support for Yemen in different humanitarian and development fields. He holds the Iranian regime fully responsible for the escalation and for its unending support for the Houthi militia, enabling the latter to violate the policies of the Republic of Yemen and international law.

He reiterated that the issue is not a single flight, but the attempt to establish a permanent air bridge linking the Iranian regime and the Revolutionary Guard to the terrorist Houthi militia. He explained that such attempts aim to impose a new reality and use Yemeni airports to serve the Iranian scheme outside the jurisdiction of the state. He considers the insistence of Iran on direct flights as a sign that the objective goes beyond transporting passengers and it is linked to an attempt to build a regular logistics channel with the Houthi militia. He added that his country was among the first to suffer from Iranian interference, so what the region is witnessing now is no longer surprising. He said the policy of the Iranian regime is based on the intention to prevent the establishment of stable Arab states within its vicinity.