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Written question asked by Marquess of Lothian (Conservative) on Thursday, 22 April 2021, in the House of Lords. It was due for an answer on Friday, 7 May 2021. It was answered by Lord Goldsmith of Richmond Park (Conservative) on Thursday, 29 April 2021 on behalf of the Foreign, Commonwealth and Development Office.

Iran: Yemen

Question

To ask Her Majesty's Government when they last discussed (1) the conflict in Yemen, and (2) Iranian support for the Houthis, with the government of Iran; and what assessment they have made of the statement by the US Special Envoy on Yemen, Tim Lenderking, on 21 April, calling Iran's support for the Houthi militia “quite significant” and “lethal”.

Answer

The Foreign Secretary speaks regularly with Iranian Foreign Minister Zarif. He and his officials take every opportunity to discuss a wide range of issues with Iran, including regional stability and security. We are clear Iran must end its destabilising interference in Yemen, which has stoked further conflict in Yemen and the Houthis' reckless cross-border strikes into Saudi Arabia. We have raised this concern with the Iranian government. Iran's provision of weapons to the Houthis is widely documented, including in reports by the UN Panel of Experts, and is in violation of UN Security Council Resolution 2216.

While Iran has stated that it supports UN-led efforts to bring peace to Yemen, we urge Iran to ensure its actions are consistent with this commitment. Iran should fully support the proposals by the UN Special Envoy for Yemen, including for an urgent nationwide ceasefire.

Secondary information

Type
Written question
Reference
HL15221
Session
2019-21
Subjects
Armed conflict United Nations Iran Yemen Houthis
Link
View this Written question on www.parliament.uk