Saudi FM: We will not allow Houthis to seize Yemen

Saudi Arabia will not allow the Houthis to seize Yemen, accusing Iran of seeking to spread turmoil throughout the region, the country’s Foreign Minister Adel Al-Jubeir said yesterday.

With regards to the resumption of negotiations, Al-Jubeir told Reuters that the ball is in the Houthis’ court.

“What is certain, not questionable, certain, they [the Houthis] will not be allowed to take over Yemen. Period,” Al-Jubeir said.

“So the legitimate government will be defended. The chance they have is to enter the political process, reach an agreement … for the benefit of all Yemenis,” the minister added.

Months of peace talks between rival Yemeni parties have collapsed after the Houthis refused to sign a deal proposed by the UN envoy.