Grundberg warns Yemen risks sliding back into full-scale conflict
SANAA, Aug. 08 (YPA) – UN Special Envoy for Yemen Hans Grundberg said he had held intensive contacts in recent weeks with Yemeni parties, regional actors and international partners to explore practical options for de-escalation and halt the current trajectory in Yemen.
In a statement, Grundberg stressed that a diplomatic solution remains possible, but said its success requires political will, difficult choices and genuine engagement from the parties.
He warned that Yemen faces a growing risk of returning to a wider conflict amid escalating military attacks and regional tensions, urging Yemeni parties to exercise restraint and return to UN-sponsored negotiations.
According to Grundberg, recent developments have posed the greatest threat to the relative truce Yemen has experienced since the UN-brokered truce in April 2022.
He cautioned that continued escalation could undermine gains made in recent years and push the country toward a broader regional confrontation.
The UN envoy said negotiations remain the most realistic way to address the parties’ core concerns while delivering tangible benefits to Yemenis, including military de-escalation, greater economic stability, freedom of movement for people and goods, and ultimately an inclusive political process capable of bringing the conflict to a comprehensive end.
Grundberg called on all parties to exercise maximum restraint, halt actions that could trigger further military responses, and engage in good-faith negotiations under UN auspices.
He added that regional and international support could help preserve the opportunity for a negotiated settlement, stressing that the United Nations would continue supporting the parties and the Yemeni people in their efforts to end the conflict peacefully.
Meanwhile, according to circulating reports, Saudi concerns that continued escalation by Sanaa could severely disrupt the Saudi economy have prompted Riyadh to seek to use UN envoy Hans Grundberg as a channel to contain the escalation.