Iran will stop arming the Houthis as part of a deal with Saudi Arabia

Iran has agreed to stop arming the Houthi rebels. The Wall Street Journal gave this news citing US and Saudi officials. It is said that Iran has taken such steps as part of the agreement to restore diplomatic relations with Saudi Arabia brokered by China. Saudi Arabia believes that Tehran’s move will accelerate efforts to achieve peace in Yemen.

According to Arab News, due to Iran’s actions, the Houthis may now agree to reach an agreement with Saudi Arabia. A UN-backed ceasefire came into force in Yemen last year. But after 6 months it was broken. Iran, however, has never publicly admitted arming the Houthis. However, arms shipments from Iran to the Houthis are often intercepted. The matter is now an open secret.

Last week, an agreement was signed between Saudi Arabia and Iran to establish relations. China mediated it.

Iran then promised that it would pressure the Houthis to end attacks on Saudi Arabia. The establishment of Saudi-Iranian relations now has the potential to defuse the crisis in Yemen. Iranian Foreign Minister Hossein Amir-Abdullahian recently assured the United Nations that Tehran wants to take new steps to end the conflict in Yemen. US Special Envoy to Yemen Tim Landerking also met with Saudi officials in an effort to start peace talks. Saudi Arabia and Iran have agreed to reopen their embassies and missions within two months. Both countries have pledged to respect each other’s sovereignty and non-interference in each other’s internal affairs.