Government calls flight a sovereignty violation and urges UN to take action
ADEN: Yemen’s internationally recognised government on Saturday strongly condemned Iran for operating a direct flight from Sanaa International Airport to transport a Houthi delegation to the funeral of former Iranian Supreme Leader Ayatollah Ali Khamenei.
In an official statement, Yemeni President Rashad al-Alimi described the flight as a “flagrant violation” of Yemen’s sovereignty and a direct breach of international law. The aircraft reportedly departed on Friday, prompting the Presidential Leadership Council (PLC) to convene an emergency meeting to discuss the development.
The council said the flight represented a serious escalation and reflected what it described as the Houthis’ continued alignment with Iran. It further accused the group of using state institutions and border crossings to advance Tehran’s interests instead of serving the Yemeni people.
Government warns of political and legal consequences
The PLC argued that allowing international flights without the approval of Yemen’s internationally recognised government undermines legitimate state institutions and deepens the country’s political divisions. Officials warned that bypassing official authorities could establish a dangerous precedent with wider regional implications.
The council stated that it would pursue all available political, diplomatic, legal and security measures permitted under international law to safeguard Yemen’s sovereignty and protect its legitimate institutions.
Appeal to international community
Yemen’s leadership also held both Iran and the Houthi movement responsible for the consequences of the flight, saying such actions threaten Yemen’s security as well as regional and international stability.
Furthermore, the PLC urged the United Nations, the UN Security Council and regional and international partners to take concrete steps to prevent similar incidents in the future and ensure respect for Yemen’s sovereignty.
Meanwhile, reports carried by Iran’s state news agency indicated that Houthi officials intend to reopen Sanaa International Airport for broader operations. However, Yemen’s government reiterated that any international flights must be authorised through the country’s recognised institutions in accordance with international agreements and legal procedures.
