Al-Aradah Urges Greater International Pressure on Iran, Firmer Action Against Houthis

Presidential Leadership Council (PLC) VP Lt. Gen. Sultan Al-Aradah has called for increased international pressure on Iran and a stronger global response to the Houthi terrorist militia, accusing Tehran and its proxies of undermining regional and international security and threatening freedom of navigation and global economic interests.

During a virtual meeting with Zhao Zheng, Chargé d’Affaires of the Chinese Embassy to Yemen, Al-Aradah urged the international community to adopt a firm stance toward Iran, calling for intensified pressure to halt its destabilizing activities. He also called for compelling the Houthi terrorist militia and other Iran-backed armed groups in the region to end their military escalation, cease attacks in the Red Sea and Bab al-Mandab Strait, and stop threatening international shipping routes.

Al-Aradah said the Houthis have not only waged war against the Yemeni people by destroying state institutions, committing serious violations against civilians, attacking civilian and economic infrastructure, and confiscating property across the country, but have also expanded their attacks to neighboring Saudi Arabia through missile and drone strikes, as well as assaults on commercial shipping, with support from Iran and its regional proxies.

He highlighted China’s role in supporting UN-led efforts, upholding international legitimacy resolutions, and increasing pressure on Iran to end its backing of the Houthi militia, saying such efforts would help safeguard regional security and ensure the safety of international maritime navigation.

Al-Aradah also expressed hope that China would continue to play a constructive role, citing its position as a permanent member of the UN Security Council and its contribution to international efforts aimed at promoting security, stability, freedom of navigation, and global trade.

For his part, Zhao reaffirmed China’s commitment to strengthening friendship and cooperation with Yemen, reiterating Beijing’s support for Yemen’s unity, sovereignty, and territorial integrity, as well as its backing for efforts to achieve security and stability in line with the aspirations of the Yemeni people.