The United States Special Envoy to Yemen, Tim Lenderking, stressed the crucial role of Gulf countries in achieving peace in the war-torn nation. In an interview with The National, Lenderking stated that a diplomatic solution is imperative to end the decade-long conflict between the internationally recognized government and the Iran-backed Houthi rebels.
“The Gulf states are united in their support for genuine peace efforts in Yemen,” Lenderking said. “We simply cannot achieve this without their involvement.”
He reiterated the US commitment to facilitating the peace process and urged regional cooperation to move forward. “The United States remains dedicated to supporting peace efforts, and we will do everything in our power to keep the process moving,” Lenderking pledged.
Lenderking’s comments come after a recent trip to the Middle East, where he visited Saudi Arabia and Oman to build on the fragile UN-brokered truce in Yemen. However, significant challenges remain, particularly due to Houthi actions. The rebel group, which controls the capital Sanaa and western Yemen, has threatened the peace process.
Earlier this month, the UN Special Envoy for Yemen, Hans Grundberg, warned that the conflict risked becoming collateral damage in wider regional tensions. He condemned Houthi attacks on international shipping in the Red Sea, which the group claims are in solidarity with Palestinians during the Israel-Gaza conflict.
These attacks have triggered retaliatory strikes by the US and Britain since February. Lenderking emphasized that these strikes aim solely to neutralize the Houthi threat to maritime security.
“These attacks are reckless, indiscriminate, and pose a serious risk,” the envoy stated. “They go far beyond any connection to the situation in Gaza and are rapidly eroding any goodwill the Houthis may have had in the international community, including the Security Council.”
Lenderking highlighted the Yemeni people’s yearning for peace and an end to foreign interference. “Yemenis want their country back,” he said. “They don’t want foreign fighters, Al Qaeda, Daesh, or Iranian influence.”
The envoy pointed out the lack of popular support for the Houthis within Yemen, citing their unpopularity and oppressive rule. He urged a return to dialogue and a renewed focus on peace efforts.
“Ultimately, the United States wants to see a de-escalation of the situation in the Red Sea and a complete shift towards achieving peace in Yemen,” Lenderking concluded.
Listen to the Digital Press Briefing with Timothy Lenderking, Special Envoy for Yemen