Saudi Arabia, Iran, and China call for a UN-backed political solution in Yemen

Saudi Arabia, Iran, and China have called for a political solution in Yemen, with delegations from the three countries meeting in Tehran, the capital of Iran, for the third session of the trilateral committee established to follow up on the Beijing Agreement.

Following the talks held yesterday, a joint statement was issued focusing on the resolution of the crisis in Yemen.

The three countries emphasized the necessity of a comprehensive political solution in Yemen, in line with the internationally recognized framework and under the auspices of the United Nations (UN).

Full commitment to the Beijing Agreement

The meeting was chaired by Iranian Deputy Foreign Minister Majid Takht-Ravanchi, Saudi Arabian Deputy Foreign Minister Walid bin Abdulkarim Al-Khuraiji, and Chinese Deputy Foreign Minister Miao Deyu.

The parties reaffirmed their commitment to implementing all provisions of the Beijing Agreement, which was signed in March 2023 through Chinese mediation and re-established diplomatic relations between Riyadh and Tehran.

The Saudi Arabian and Iranian delegations reiterated their determination to strengthen good neighborly relations between the two countries. It was stated that this process would be conducted in full compliance with the UN Charter, the Charter of the Organisation of Islamic Cooperation (OIC), and the principles of international law.

The statement highlighted the importance of respecting the sovereignty, territorial integrity, and security of states.

The Chinese side affirmed that it would continue to support and encourage the steps taken by Riyadh and Tehran to improve their relations.

Joint stance against Israeli attacks

Regional security and Israel’s military actions were also discussed during the talks. The three countries called for an immediate halt to Israel’s attacks in Palestine, Lebanon, and Syria.

The joint statement condemned the “attacks and violations against the territorial integrity of the Islamic Republic of Iran.”

The parties pointed to the importance of regional dialogue for ensuring security, stability, and economic prosperity in the region.

Saudi Arabia and Iran stated that they welcomed China’s “ongoing positive role” in the implementation of the agreement.

Message of regional cooperation with Minister Araghchi

As part of the committee meeting, the delegations also met with Iranian Foreign Minister Abbas Araghchi. Araghchi expressed his appreciation for China’s constructive approach to West Asian affairs, stating, “Based on its good neighborly policy, Iran is determined to strengthen its relations with neighboring countries, including Saudi Arabia.”

The Iranian minister noted that sustainable stability and security in the region can only be achieved through the cooperation of all regional countries.

Araghchi emphasized that Iran and China are determined to use all available capacities to expand bilateral relations.

Background of the diplomatic process

Diplomatic relations between Saudi Arabia and Iran were severed in 2016 after Saudi Arabia executed a Shiite cleric, which was followed by protest attacks on Saudi diplomatic missions in Tehran.

After a seven-year rupture, relations were re-established in March 2023 through an agreement mediated by China.

In Yemen, the proxy war that began after the Houthis captured the capital, Sana’a, in 2014 and forced the legitimate government to retreat to the south continues. The first meeting of the trilateral committee at the deputy foreign minister level was held in Beijing in December 2023, and the second was held in November 2024.