Pakistan has expressed hope that the recent deal between Iran and the United States will usher in a more conducive environment for peace and renewed political engagement in Yemen, which is facing interlocking political, security and humanitarian crises.

“Recent developments in the region have underscored both the dangers of escalation and the value of diplomacy,” Ambassador Asim Iftikhar Ahmad, permanent representative of Pakistan to the United Nations, told the UN Security Council during a debate on the situation in Yemen on Tuesday.

The Pakistan-mediated US-Iran peace deal, the Pakistani envoy said, presents a welcome opportunity to reduce tensions and advance regional stability.

In doing so, he added Pakistan was guided by its longstanding commitment to dialogue, diplomacy and the peaceful settlement of disputes.

“We hope that this positive momentum will reverberate across the region and contribute to a more conducive environment for peace and renewed political engagement in Yemen, allowing its people to reap the dividends of stability and development,” Ambassador Asim Ahmad told the 15-member Council, noting that significant political, economic and humanitarian challenges persist in Yemen.

Since 2014, Yemeni government forces, who are backed by a Saudi-led coalition, and Houthi rebels have been fighting for full control of the fractured country.

The internationally-recognised authorities are largely based in the southern city of Aden, while the Houthis, officially known as Ansar Allah, control the capital Sana’a and large areas of the north and west.

 A UN-brokered truce in April 2022 helped reduce violence, but after more than a decade of conflict, Yemen continues to face challenges.

In his remarks, Ambassador Asim Ahmad pointed out that the relative calm that has largely prevailed over the recent months – including the absence of major hostilities across fronts within the country and no attacks on commercial shipping – demonstrates that de-escalation is achievable and that a negotiated settlement is possible.

In this regard, the Pakistani envoy underscored the need for the political process to move forward, saying a durable settlement can only emerge through a UN-facilitated, Yemeni-led and Yemeni-owned political process that addresses the legitimate aspirations and concerns of all Yemenis.

The Presidential Leadership Council remains the internationally-recognised Government of Yemen, he said, adding that in the south, the proposed South Dialogue by Saudi Arabia represents a timely and constructive initiative that can contribute positively to those efforts.

The Pakistani envoy commended the UN’s sustained efforts for consistently engaging with all regional and local stakeholders and preserving political space for dialogue under challenging circumstances.

The fact that Yemen has not relapsed into large-scale hostilities despite numerous challenges is significant, he said, drawing attention to the recent agreement on the exchange of approximately 1,600 detainees and prisoners.

“We also call for the immediate and unconditional release of all UN personnel held in illegal detention by the Houthis.”

Expressing concern over the deteriorating humanitarian situation, Ambassador Asim Ahmad said millions of Yemenis continue to rely on assistance, while funding shortfalls, economic difficulties and declining public services further exacerbate vulnerabilities.

“Enhanced international support is required to sustain humanitarian operations and strengthen economic stability, particularly at this critical stage,” he added.