Amid deep uncertainty among Yemen’s political factions and public over prospects for a comprehensive peace with the Houthis, UN Envoy Hans Grundberg arrived in the interim capital, Aden, to try to break the deadlock.
The envoy acknowledged the complex challenges impeding UN mediation, stressing the urgent need for a comprehensive settlement and sustainable economic solutions.
“I am pleased to be back in Yemen and look forward to serious, in-depth discussions with all parties,” he said, upon landing in Aden. He noted that rising regional tensions in recent months had further complicated efforts to achieve a lasting and just peace.
Grundberg pointed to a relative lull in hostilities as an opportunity to intensify diplomatic engagement. He urged Yemeni parties to make decisive choices to overcome the political stalemate and move peace efforts forward, emphasizing that solutions must also address worsening economic and security crises.
In his most recent briefing to the UN Security Council, Grundberg highlighted what he described as a “broad regional consensus” that negotiations remain the only viable path to ending the war and stabilizing the region.
Despite the fragile calm since a UN-brokered truce in April 2022, fears persist that fighting could flare up again, especially as the Houthis have expanded their military capabilities with Iranian support.
Since late 2023, the Houthis have escalated attacks on commercial shipping under the pretext of supporting Palestinians, further derailing peace talks. This escalation suspended a roadmap mediated by Saudi Arabia and Oman, which included humanitarian and economic measures leading toward a political agreement.
The Houthis have also used the conflict in Gaza to rally domestic support and recruit tens of thousands of fighters while maintaining their focus on advancing into government-held territory.
During his visit, Grundberg is expected to meet senior government officials, including Presidential Leadership Council head Rashad al-Alimi. Meanwhile, the Houthis remain under US sanctions and are designated a foreign terrorist organization.
Yemeni leaders have reiterated that no settlement will be possible unless the Houthis comply with international resolutions, especially Security Council Resolution 2216.
