Saudi Arabia, Iran, China Call for UN-Led Political Solution to End Yemen Conflict

ISTANBUL: Saudi Arabia, Iran, and China have jointly called for a comprehensive UN-sponsored political solution to the ongoing conflict in Yemen, emphasizing support for an internationally recognized framework to restore peace in the war-torn country.

The announcement came during the third meeting of the Saudi-Chinese-Iranian trilateral committee held in Tehran, aimed at following up on the Beijing Agreement brokered by China in March 2023. The agreement had previously restored diplomatic relations between Saudi Arabia and Iran after a rupture that persisted since 2016.

The Tehran meeting was co-chaired by Iran’s Deputy Foreign Minister for Political Affairs Majid Takht-Ravanchi, Saudi Deputy Foreign Minister Waleed bin Abdulkarim Al-Khuraiji, and Chinese Vice Foreign Minister Miao Deyu.

During the discussions, Saudi and Iranian representatives reaffirmed their commitment to fully implementing the Beijing Agreement and strengthening bilateral relations based on adherence to the UN Charter, the Organization of Islamic Cooperation (OIC) Charter, and international law, including respect for sovereignty, territorial integrity, independence, and security of both nations.

In addition to Yemen, the three countries called for an immediate halt to Israeli aggression in Palestine, Lebanon, and Syria and condemned violations of Iran’s territorial integrity.

Saudi Arabia, Iran, and China reiterated their support for a comprehensive political settlement in Yemen under UN auspices, aligning with internationally recognized principles.

Yemen has been embroiled in civil war since 2014, when the Iran-backed Houthi movement seized control of the capital, Sanaa, forcing the internationally recognized government to relocate to the southern regions of the country.

The trilateral meeting underscores ongoing international efforts to stabilize the Middle East and promote diplomatic solutions to regional conflicts.