Iran presents Yemen peace plan to United Nations

A four-point peace plan to end a Saudi-led air campaign on Iranian-backed Houthi militias has been submitted by Tehran to the United Nations on Friday.

In a letter, Iranian Foreign Minister Mohammad Javad Zarif told U.N. Secretary-General Ban Ki-moon that Tehran stands ready to help the United Nations restore peace to Yemen, where Houthis have taken over the capital and driven President Abedrabbu Mansour Hadi into exile.

Riyadh and Washington accuse Tehran of supplying arms to the Houthis, a claim which Iran denies.

“It is imperative for the international community to get more effectively involved in ending the senseless aerial attacks and establishing a ceasefire,” Zarif wrote.

Iran’s four-point plan calls for a ceasefire and immediate end to all foreign military attacks, the urgent delivery of humanitarian and medical aid, a resumption of political talks and the formation of a national unity government, according to Agence France-Presse.

Zarif said the situation in Yemen was “extremely alarming” and that the military intervention had destroyed hospitals, schools, food factories and other civilian infrastructure.

“This critical situation is escalating and humanitarian crisis in Yemen is approaching catastrophic dimensions,” he added.
Ban has called for an immediate ceasefire, saying the country was “in flames” and all sides must return to political negotiations.

The U.N. chief is searching for a new envoy to seek a political solution following the resignation of Jamal Benomar, a Moroccan-born diplomat who lost the confidence of Saudi Arabia and its allies.