News - Yemen: Iranian Foreign Minister Abbas Araqchi called on regional countries to make efforts to preserve Yemen’s unity, safeguard its territorial integrity, and meet the legitimate demands of the Yemeni people.

In a phone call with UAE Foreign Minister Abdullah bin Zayed Al Nahyan, Araqchi emphasized that Tehran sees a Yemeni-led dialogue, based on national unity and territorial integrity, as the solution to the ongoing crisis.

Araqchi also spoke with Saudi Foreign Minister Faisal bin Farhan, discussing developments in southern Yemen and stressing the importance of preserving the country’s unity, protecting its lands, and implementing the agreed roadmap for peace.

Tensions in Yemen intensified on December 3 as the UAE-allied Southern Transitional Council (STC) forces seized control of Hadramout after clashes with Saudi-backed militants.

The STC subsequently extended its reach into the eastern governorate of al-Mahrah without encountering any reported resistance and has been recruiting local forces in both regions.

After the recent military expansion of the STC, Saudi Arabia carried out airstrikes on Friday, targeting STC positions. These included several sites used by the Hadrami Elite Forces in the Ghayl bin Yamin area near key oil fields. Reports indicate no casualties or damage to military equipment as a result of the strikes.

The STC said on Saturday that it is getting closer to declaring an independent state in the south.