According to two diplomats, a Saudi Arabian delegation is in Sana’a, the capital of Yemen, controlled by Iranian-backed Houthi rebels, to negotiate a new ceasefire in the conflict. The Saudi delegation is there to discuss how to move towards peace in Yemen. The arrival of the Saudi delegation comes at a time of rapprochement between Saudi Arabia and Iran, which announced the restoration of diplomatic relations in March following a negotiation facilitated by China.
A group of mediators from Oman, Yemen’s neighbor, and Saudi Arabia also arrived in the Yemeni capital on Saturday. Sana’a was captured by Houthi rebels in 2014, triggering a Riyadh-led military intervention to support the Yemeni government. Since then, the conflict has left hundreds of thousands dead, led to massive displacement, and been one of the world’s most severe humanitarian crises.
Both sides announced a truce about a year ago that has significantly reduced hostilities and continues to be largely respected despite its expiration in October. According to a government source, both sides agreed to implement a six-month ceasefire to facilitate three months of negotiations aimed at establishing a two-year “transition” in the country. The Yemen conflict is seen as a proxy confrontation between Saudi Arabia and Iran, and experts believe that improved relations between the two countries could lead to a solution to the conflict.