The Iraqi Ministry of Foreign Affairs expressed its hope that regional and international efforts would contribute to supporting the path to stability in Yemen, "thus enhancing the chances of de-escalation and creating the appropriate conditions for reaching sustainable solutions."
In a statement issued on Friday, January 2, 2025, the ministry said it was following with "great interest" the ongoing political and security developments in the Republic of Yemen.
The rapid territorial gains made by the Southern Transitional Council (STC), which seeks independence for southern Yemen, in the resource-rich governorates of Hadramawt and Al-Mahra, bordering Saudi Arabia and Oman, represent a new turning point in Yemen after more than a decade of war between the internationally recognized government and the Houthis.
Riyadh is the influential regional power and the main backer of the Yemeni government, while Abu Dhabi, which is also part of the anti-Houthi coalition, supports the STC.
The Iraqi Ministry of Foreign Affairs reaffirmed Iraq's "firm" position calling for "preserving the security and stability of Yemen, in line with the aspirations of its brotherly people to live in peace."
The ministry praised efforts aimed at "consolidating peace," stressing the need to "protect the interests of the Yemeni people and support everything that would enhance stability and development."
It also emphasized the importance of continuing "constructive dialogue" between the various Yemeni parties, "as the best way to reach comprehensive and peaceful solutions that contribute to alleviating the suffering of the Yemeni people."
On Tuesday, December 30, 2025, the Saudi-led coalition announced it had carried out airstrikes targeting what it said was an arms shipment from the UAE to the Southern Transitional Council. Abu Dhabi denied this, stating that the shipment contained "no weapons" and was intended for its forces in Yemen.
The UAE subsequently announced the withdrawal of its forces from Yemen.
Disagreements between the UAE and Saudi Arabia over Yemen began to surface publicly in July 2019, when Abu Dhabi withdrew most of its forces from Yemen, stating that it would retain some to contribute to the fight against al-Qaeda and the Houthis.
Iraq hopes to bolster the chances of de-escalation in Yemen through regional and international efforts.
