![\"Yemen-map-boundaries-cities-locator\"](\"https:\/\/www.ncr-iran.org\/en\/wp-content\/uploads\/2022\/01\/Yemen-map-boundaries-cities-locator.jpg\" "\\"Yemen-map-boundaries-cities-locator\\"")
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On January 5, at a meeting in Tehran, allegedly called the National Conference on Iran and Neighbors, the Iranian regime\u2019s foreign minister, Hossein Amir-Abdollahian uttered<\/a> something that would have been unthinkable just four weeks ago: \u201cWe are concerned about the escalation of the war [in Yemen] and we call on Saudi Arabia and the United Arab Emirates to take a political and constructive approach by ending the siege and the war and start engaging in the Yemeni-Yemeni dialogue.\u201d<\/p>\n \u201cThe continuation of this situation is not in the interest of the region, and it has not been and will not be in the interest of anyone and the countries involved in this crisis,\u201d Amir-Abdollahian added.<\/p>\n While some analysts might want to interpret this as Tehran\u2019s conciliatory gesture, those who have a profound understanding of the regime\u2019s language and the regional balance of power, know perfectly well how Tehran has become so desperate.<\/p>\n For the past two months, the Houthis had gone on the offensive and were aiming to seize control over the oil-rich Governate in the Yemeni government\u2019s last stronghold in the north. But the Saudi-led coalition managed to deal some significant military strikes<\/a> on the Houthis, and after suffering a considerable number of casualties, they were driven out of the geostrategic Marib region.<\/p>\n Had the Tehran-backed militia succeeded in taking over Marib, the regime\u2019s officials would be speaking with a different tone.<\/p>\n On January 17, the Houthis had launched a drone strike on a fuel depot close to Abu Dhabi\u2019s airport which killed three foreign workers and injured many others. The UAE is considered a global transit point for commerce and is the Middle East\u2019s most important economic center.<\/p>\n According to Reuters, \u201cThe Houthis, battling a Saudi-led military coalition that includes the UAE, have said they aim to punish the Gulf state for backing militias that are blocking their attempts to capture oil-producing regions in Yemen.\u201d<\/p>\n By hitting Abu Dhabi<\/a>, the Houthis seem to have overplayed their hand. The attacks brought condemnation from around the world, and especially the Western powers, who have been striving to end the conflict in Yemen. In a bid to help reach a ceasefire in the country, the United States President Joe Biden, and his administration, made the decision to revoke the Houthis terrorist designation. In light of the recent developments, however, the U.S. administration is reportedly reconsidering that decision.<\/p>\n Many members of the United States Congress also called on the administration to redesignate the Houthis, making it clear to Sanaa and Tehran learned that they had gone too far.<\/p>\n I condemn the #Houthi<\/a> strikes on infrastructure in the #UAE<\/a>, which tragically killed 3 & wounded others. My condolences to all those affected. Yet again, this is an act of a dangerous #Iran<\/a>-backed terrorist proxy, not a responsible member of the int\u2019l community. This must stop.<\/p>\n — Senate Foreign Relations Committee Ranking Member (@SenateForeign) January 18, 2022<\/a><\/p><\/blockquote>\n\n