The Houthi militia has issued contradictory signals regarding proposed flights from Iran to Sana'a Airport. While publicly issuing threats against Saudi Arabia to allow these flights, official statements and media reports indicate a subsequent retraction and an appeal for mediation.
The head of the Houthi administration, Mohammed Miftah, reiterated threats against Saudi Arabia, warning against any attempt to obstruct the militia's decision to operate flights from Iran to Sana'a Airport, which is under their control. Miftah stated during a rally in Sana'a that the militia is determined to "break the siege" and operate Sana'a Airport "regardless of the consequences." He issued a direct warning to Riyadh against "any foolishness" concerning airports controlled by the Houthi militia, stating they would "pay a heavy price."
These threats emerged as the Houthi delegation, which had departed Sana'a on an Iranian aircraft to attend the funeral of Iranian Supreme Leader Ali Khamenei, was expected to return. The militia had previously accused Saudi Arabia of attempting to intercept the Iranian aircraft's landing in Sana'a and had threatened to repeat the action, bringing their delegation back by the same means, and warned Riyadh against attempting to intervene.
However, official statements and media reports have indicated the opposite. These reports suggest the Houthi militia has backed down from their threat to return their delegation via an unscheduled flight to Sana'a, bypassing coordination with Saudi Arabia or the legitimate Yemeni government. The Presidential Leadership Council (PLC), in an extraordinary meeting on Friday, revealed that Iran had submitted a request through the Coalition to Support Legitimacy in Yemen to facilitate the return of the Houthi delegation via a Mahan Air flight from Tehran to Sana'a.
According to the meeting, the PLC discussed the possibility of returning the Houthi elements via a flight chartered by Yemenia, the national carrier, instead of relying on a foreign airline perceived to serve the interests of the Houthis and their backers. The PLC affirmed its commitment to taking all necessary political, diplomatic, and military measures to prevent any new attempts to violate Yemeni sovereignty or impose a fait accompli through unauthorized Iranian flights to Sana'a. It placed full responsibility on Iran and the Houthi militia for any repercussions arising from continued violations.
In related developments, media reports have surfaced concerning arrangements for the Houthi delegation's return from Tehran to Sana'a via a third country, coordinated with the Yemeni government and the Coalition. Yemeni journalist Fares Al-Hamiri cited sources indicating that the delegation would arrive in Muscat, Oman, via an Iranian aircraft, and then proceed to Sana'a via an Omani plane or UN flights.
