Several meetings held by US Ambassador to Yemen Steven Fagin with the leadership of Yemen’s Presidential Leadership Council (PLC) point to American attempts to reinforce the political and security partnership with the Yemeni government while containing internal divisions within the internationally recognized camp.
The move comes amid a complex domestic environment and growing regional challenges affecting Yemen’s security and stability.
The engagement included talks with PLC President Rashad al-Alimi, a meeting with council member Sheikh Othman Mujalli, and a video call with Major General Sultan al-Aradah.
Discussions focused on bilateral relations, political and military developments, and certain priorities, notably counterterrorism and confronting threats posed by the Iran-backed Houthi militia.
Discussions with al-Alimi reportedly centered on the scope of Yemeni-US partnership and Washington’s role in supporting the Yemeni state, politically in international forums and through counterterrorism cooperation, as well as efforts to curb Iran-linked arms smuggling and financial networks.
Government reforms were also raised, in light of the need for international backing to ease economic and humanitarian pressures.
The talks addressed recent developments in Yemen’s eastern governorates and unilateral measures taken there, alongside regional efforts led by Saudi Arabia and the United Arab Emirates to contain tensions and restore normal conditions.
Yemeni leaders stressed the need to preserve consensus within the framework of legitimacy and prevent internal disputes from undermining unified security and military decision-making.
Yemeni officials also stressed adherence to the key references governing the transitional phase, particularly the Declaration on the Transfer of Power and the Riyadh Agreement, warning that bypassing these frameworks could create security vacuums exploited by the Houthis and terrorist groups.
In a broader assessment during his call with Fagin, al-Aradah described Yemen’s current phase as one in which political, military, and economic challenges intersect, calling for a firmer international stance and practical support to restore state institutions, cut off militia funding, and safeguard UN-led efforts.
In his meeting with Mujalli, Fagin discussed Iran’s role in enhancing Houthi military capabilities and the resulting risks to Yemen, neighboring states, and maritime security in the Red Sea and the Arabian Sea.
According to Yemeni official media, the US ambassador reaffirmed Washington’s support for the country’s unity and territorial integrity, the cohesion of the PLC and government, and continued partnership in counterterrorism, humanitarian relief, and efforts to promote stability and development.
