Yemen condemns Iran for operating flight to transport Houthis to Khamenei's funeral in Tehran

Yemen's internationally recognized government has strongly condemned Iran for facilitating a direct flight from Sanaa International Airport to Tehran, enabling Houthi representatives to attend the funeral of former supreme leader Ali Khamenei. The Yemeni government characterized the flight as a "flagrant violation of the sovereignty of the Republic of Yemen and a blatant challenge to international law."

“

a flagrant violation of the sovereignty of the Republic of Yemen and a blatant challenge to international law

The incident prompted an emergency meeting of the Yemeni Presidential Leadership Council (PLC). The council denounced the flight as a "serious escalation" that underscores the Houthi militias' "complete subordination to the Iranian regime." They argued that Iran's actions exploit Yemeni institutions and border crossings to advance its agenda at the expense of the Yemeni people's interests. The PLC also warned that allowing such international flights without government approval sets a dangerous precedent and exacerbates Yemen's internal political divisions.

“

a serious escalation that reaffirmed the Houthi militias' complete subordination to the Iranian regime

In response, the PLC stated its intention to pursue "all necessary political, diplomatic, legal, and security measures permitted under international law" to safeguard the country's sovereignty. They hold both Tehran and the Houthis "fully responsible for the consequences of these actions and for any threats to the security of Yemen, the wider region, and international peace and security." The council has called upon the United Nations, the UN Security Council, and regional and international partners to take "concrete actions" to deter Iran from further transgressions.

“

The PLC argued that allowing international flights without the government's approval set a dangerous precedent, bypassed legitimate institutions, and exacerbated Yemen's political division.