UN envoy: Iran–US agreement could mark turning point for Yemen peace

NEY YORK, June 16 (YPA) – The UN Special Envoy to Yemen, Hans Grundberg, delivered on Tuesday his briefing to the UN Security Council on Tuesday.

In his address, the envoy noted that the agreement announced by the United States with Iran could represent a turning point for the region, and may encourage Yemeni parties to seize the opportunity to make progress on the Yemen file.

He said he has continued consultations with regional and international actors and parties to identify entry points for launching dialogue and negotiations.

Grundberg praised what he described as the flexibility and commitment of all parties in reaching an agreement to release 1,600 prisoners in connection with the war and conflict, calling it the largest prisoner exchange deal to date.

He stressed that entrenched frontlines across the country are draining resources, deepening divisions, and accelerating the militarization of society.

He also pointed to recent meetings of the Military Coordination Committee (MCC), held under the auspices of the Office of the Special Envoy (OSESGY) and attended by military representatives of the parties, as an opportunity to exchange views on security priorities, practical steps for de-escalation, and improving communication channels.

Regarding Yemen’s economy, the UN envoy said the regional conflict has increased pressure on the country and raised the cost of imported food and fuel, adding that efforts are underway to prepare a broad set of economic issues that will ultimately need to be addressed through negotiations between the parties.

He emphasized the importance of building on these meetings and efforts to launch a comprehensive political process to end the conflict, which has been delayed for far too long.

“We need to chart a path forward to change this reality,” he said. “That such a process requires compromise and good-faith engagement from both sides.”