UN envoy seeks de-escalation in Yemen amid Houthi offensive

UN envoy Hans Grundberg is seeking to de-escalate the conflict in Yemen following a surge in violence on the country’s western coast. The renewed fighting between Iran-backed Houthi rebels and Saudi-supported government forces has resulted in hundreds of deaths and the displacement of tens of thousands of people.

Grundberg met with Houthi chief negotiator Mohammed Abdul-Salam in Muscat to explore ways to prevent further escalation. He also held discussions in Riyadh with regional powers and the internationally recognized Yemeni government. The envoy noted that the current escalation is “unprecedented” and “dramatic,” highlighting the role of regional instability and the influence of parties such as Iran.

The Houthi offensive marks a significant shift in the 12-year civil war, effectively ending the ceasefire that had largely held since 2022. Supported by Iranian military experts, the Houthis have made substantial territorial gains along the Red Sea coast, including the seizure of the strategic city of Mokha and several islands. These advances grant the group increased control over the Bab el-Mandeb Strait, a vital maritime passage for global trade.