Yemen’s Vice President Expresses Confidence in Trump’s Potential Return to Power as a Key Factor in Countering Iranian Influence and Restoring Stability
Aden, Yemen – In an exclusive interview, Yemen’s Vice President, Major General Ali Mohsen al-Ahmar, expressed his firm belief that a potential return of former US President Donald Trump to power could significantly alter the dynamics of the ongoing conflict in Yemen, particularly in curbing the influence of Iran-backed Houthi rebels. Al-Ahmar emphasized Trump’s decisive foreign policy approach during his presidency, contrasting it with the perceived leniency of the current administration. He highlighted the Trump administration’s designation of the Houthis as a terrorist organization, a move later rescinded, as an example of a strong stance that pressured the rebels and their Iranian sponsors. The Vice President argued that Trump’s return could embolden regional allies and contribute to a more robust international effort to counter Iranian expansionism in the region, which he sees as the root cause of Yemen’s protracted conflict.
Al-Ahmar painted a grim picture of the current situation in Yemen, highlighting the devastating humanitarian crisis fueled by years of war and the Houthi rebels’ continued aggression. He accused the Houthis of obstructing peace efforts, violating ceasefires, and using humanitarian aid as a weapon of war. He reiterated the Yemeni government’s commitment to a political solution but stressed the need for a firm international stance against the Houthis’ intransigence. The Vice President underlined the importance of upholding international law and holding those responsible for war crimes accountable. He called upon the international community to increase pressure on Iran to cease its support for the Houthis and to engage constructively in regional peace initiatives.
The Vice President’s remarks come at a crucial juncture in the Yemen conflict. While a fragile truce has provided a brief respite from the intense fighting, underlying tensions persist, and the threat of renewed escalation looms large. The United Nations continues to mediate between the warring parties, but progress towards a comprehensive political settlement remains elusive. The Houthi rebels continue to control vast swathes of Yemeni territory, including the capital Sana’a, and their ballistic missile attacks against neighboring countries, including Saudi Arabia and the UAE, pose a significant regional security challenge. The Vice President emphasized the need for a comprehensive approach to resolving the conflict, addressing not only the military dimension but also the political, economic, and humanitarian aspects.
Al-Ahmar emphasized the importance of restoring Yemen’s legitimate government and rebuilding state institutions. He outlined the government’s vision for a post-conflict Yemen, emphasizing the need for inclusive governance, economic recovery, and reconciliation. He highlighted the importance of addressing the root causes of the conflict, including political marginalization, economic grievances, and sectarian tensions. The Vice President stressed the need for international support in rebuilding Yemen’s infrastructure, providing humanitarian assistance, and fostering sustainable development. He expressed gratitude to Yemen’s regional allies, particularly Saudi Arabia and the UAE, for their continued support in the fight against the Houthis and their commitment to Yemen’s stability and prosperity.
Delving deeper into the potential impact of a Trump return, Al-Ahmar speculated that a renewed focus on countering Iranian influence in the region could lead to a more decisive international response to the Yemen conflict. He believes that Trump’s more assertive foreign policy stance might embolden regional actors to take stronger action against the Houthis and exert more pressure on Iran to curtail its support for the rebel group. He contrasted this with what he perceived as a more hesitant approach by the current US administration, which he argues has emboldened the Houthis and undermined efforts to achieve a lasting peace. The Vice President emphasized the need for a clear and consistent US policy towards Yemen, one that prioritizes regional stability and counters Iranian expansionism.
While acknowledging the complexities of the Yemeni conflict and the multifaceted challenges involved in achieving a lasting peace, Al-Ahmar remained optimistic about the future of his country. He expressed confidence in the resilience of the Yemeni people and their determination to rebuild their lives and their nation. He reiterated the Yemeni government’s commitment to working with all relevant stakeholders, including the United Nations, regional partners, and international organizations, to achieve a peaceful and prosperous future for Yemen. He stressed that a stable and secure Yemen is in the interest of not only the Yemeni people but also the region and the international community as a whole. The Vice President concluded by urging the international community to stand with the legitimate government of Yemen in its efforts to restore peace, stability, and prosperity to the war-torn nation.
