US steps up engagement with Yemen leadership
Washington seeks to strengthen political and security cooperation while containing divisions within Yemen’s internationally recognized government
ADEN, Yemen (MNTV) — A series of meetings between the US ambassador to Yemen and senior Yemeni officials reflects renewed American efforts to strengthen political and security cooperation with the Yemeni government, according to English Aaswat news.
The engagement also aims to contain internal divisions within the internationally recognized leadership to preserve unity and stability.
US Ambassador Steven Fagin held discussions with President of the Presidential Leadership Council (PLC) Rashad Al-Alimi, council member Sheikh Othman Mujalli, and Marib Governor Major General Sultan Al-Aradah, amid mounting domestic pressures and regional security challenges.
According to Yemeni official media, the talks focused on bilateral relations, political and military developments, and shared priorities, particularly counterterrorism cooperation and confronting threats posed by the Iran-backed Houthi movement.
In his meeting with Al-Alimi, discussions reportedly addressed the scope of Yemeni-US partnership and Washington’s role in supporting the Yemeni state at international forums, as well as cooperation to disrupt arms smuggling and financial networks linked to Iran.
Economic reforms and humanitarian challenges were also raised, with Yemeni officials underscoring the need for sustained international support to ease worsening economic conditions and humanitarian pressures.
The meetings also examined recent developments in Yemen’s eastern governorates and unilateral measures taken there, alongside regional mediation efforts led by Saudi Arabia and the United Arab Emirates aimed at de-escalating tensions and restoring stability.
Yemeni leaders emphasized the importance of maintaining political consensus within the framework of legitimacy and warned that internal disputes could weaken unified security and military decision-making.
Officials reiterated adherence to the key political frameworks governing the transitional phase, including the Declaration on the Transfer of Power and the Riyadh Agreement, cautioning that bypassing these references could create security gaps exploited by Houthis and extremist groups.
During a video call with Ambassador Fagin, Al-Aradah described Yemen’s current stage as one marked by overlapping political, military, and economic challenges, calling for stronger international engagement to restore state institutions and protect UN-led peace efforts.
In a separate meeting with Mujalli, discussions addressed Iran’s role in strengthening Houthi military capabilities and the resulting risks to regional and maritime security in the Red Sea and Arabian Sea.
Fagin reaffirmed US support for Yemen’s unity and territorial integrity, the cohesion of the PLC and government institutions, and continued partnership in counterterrorism, humanitarian assistance, and efforts to promote long-term stability.
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