Reduced Iran influence will bring balance to Mideast

28/01/2025

Reduced Iran influence will bring balance to Mideast

KUWAIT CITY, Jan 28: Yemen’s Minister of Foreign Affairs and Expatriates, Dr. Shaie Al-Zindani, has expressed optimism about Yemen’s future, stating, “Yemen will one day return to being the happy country it once was.” He praised the deep-rooted and historical relations between Kuwait and Yemen, highlighting Kuwait’s unwavering support for Yemen during both good and challenging times.

Dr. Al-Zindani told Al-Seyassah that Kuwait, under its leadership, government and people, has consistently stood by Yemen, offering assistance whenever needed. Evidence of Kuwait’s charitable contributions is visible throughout Yemen in various regions and projects. The minister emphasized that his visit to Kuwait aimed to strengthen bilateral ties further and acknowledge Kuwait’s pivotal role in assisting Yemen to find a resolution to its ongoing crisis. Dr. Al-Zindani urged the Houthi militias to abandon their aggressive stance, embrace peace and recognize that ruling Yemen through force is neither viable nor sustainable.

‘“Sectarianism has no place in Yemen,” he said, urging the Houthis to acknowledge their true position within Yemen’s diverse society. On external interventions, Dr. Al- Zindani emphasized that Iran’s meddling has emboldened the Houthi insurgency by providing advanced weapons and financial support. He called on Iran to cease its interference and allow Yemenis to determine their future independently. When asked whether curbing Iran’s role would stabilize the Middle East, Dr. Al-Zindani stated, ‘Certainly, limiting Iran’s influence would contribute significantly to regional stability. Since the Islamic Revolution, Iran has acted as a destabilizing force -- from the Iraq-Iran war to its interventions in Syria, Lebanon and Yemen. Weakening Iran’s role will positively impact the region’s overall security.’

Discussing Houthi threats to maritime security in the Red Sea, Dr. Al-Zindani dismissed the group’s justification linking these actions to the Gaza conflict. “Now that the Gaza war has ended, their pretext no longer holds. Will they commit to stopping such acts?” Dr. Al-Zindani revealed discussions with Kuwaiti officials on political cooperation, humanitarian and economic support and ongoing development projects led by the Kuwait Fund for Arab Economic Development. These projects include vital infrastructure like the Marib Gas Plant and vocational training centers to support Yemen’s economy. Dr. Al-Zindani praised Kuwait’s early role in hosting peace talks in 2016, despite the Houthis’ last-minute withdrawal from signing an agreement. He welcomed any renewed Kuwaiti or Gulf initiative to mediate and resolve the Yemeni crisis.

The minister highlighted Yemen’s dire economic situation due to resource shortages, especially after Houthi attacks halted oil and gas exports, which previously accounted for 70 percent of revenues. Efforts are underway to streamline spending and attract international support to rebuild the economy, he said. On combating terrorism, Dr. Al- Zindani acknowledged cooperation with key nations, expressing optimism about progress in addressing this issue in Yemen. Dr. Al-Zindani outlined government plans to enhance institutional frameworks in liberated regions, acknowledging current weaknesses and the need for stronger governance to ensure security and stability. He noted that shifts in Syria, Lebanon and Iran’s position within the so-called ‘Axis of Resistance’ could weaken the Houthis’ standing and influence in Yemen. Dr. Al-Zindani stressed the importance of a unified Yemen, free from sectarian violence. He called for the disarmament of militias, adherence to international resolutions and a state monopoly on military power

By Fares Al-Abdan
Al-Seyassah/Arab Times Staff