Lenderking: Stopping Houthi attacks, establishing peace, and alleviating the humanitarian crisis are our top priorities in Yemen

The real challenge

Asked how the United States would deal with the challenge of downing American aircraft and equipment, he said, "The real challenge is diplomacy," adding, "There is no military solution to this conflict. We must seize the current international opportunities to return to a real peace process."

US efforts in Yemen seek to disrupt the ability of the Houthis, who are designated as terrorists, to target commercial ships and protect international shipping lanes.

In this context, the US Central Command announces successively the destruction of Houthi military capabilities, especially drones, missile launch sites and platforms.

The United States launched these attacks as part of a naval and air coalition last January, in response to attacks by the Iranian-backed Houthis on cargo ships in the Red Sea.

But Lenderking stressed that "the military engagement against the Houthis is limited in scope, and we are only targeting military targets in Yemen, and this is intentional on our part."

"We are also looking for a better response from the Houthis and looking for ways for them to show that they are interested in de-escalation, but so far they have not done that," he said.

He explained that they "seized ships, killed cadres and are attacking ships," considering that "these are reckless actions that have nothing to do with the Gaza conflict and do not bring more bread to the Palestinian people. This helps to ignite more fire in the region."

Iran's call for calm

Lenderking warned of escalating tensions due to the reckless actions of the Houthis, stressing the need for Iran to demonstrate its desire to de-escalate.

He considered that the presence of the Iranian President in New York to attend the United Nations General Assembly would be an opportunity for him to show a better face to the international community. “We want to see Iran play a constructive role in Yemen, instead of igniting more fires.”

Commenting on Iranian Foreign Minister Abbas Araghchi's statement that Iran is ready to negotiate on the nuclear program, Lenderking said, "What they are doing is the opposite of what they are saying."

"If Iran wants to achieve peace, it must take concrete steps to show its commitment to it," he said.

Source: Alhurra