New UN Report on Iran's Possible Role and Intentions Regarding the Yemen War

According to the Associated Press, a new assessment by the UN experts emphasizes the fundamental similarities between the weapons used by the Houthi rebels and those manufactured in Iran, but it also suggests that Tehran may want to assist in resolving the Yemen crisis. The Associated Press reported on July 31 that it has seen a copy of the latest UN experts' report to the UN Security Council. This panel is responsible for monitoring the implementation of international sanctions following the Houthi uprising and the escalation of battles in Yemen. According to the version seen by the Associated Press, 'the UN panel believes that Iran may now be inclined to play a constructive role in finding a peaceful solution to the Yemen crisis, as seen in cooperation with some European countries for a ceasefire during Ramadan; a ceasefire that ultimately failed.' However, in this report, which assesses the first half of the current year, the similarities between the weapons used by the rebels and those manufactured in Iran are again mentioned. The report states that based on investigations of the wreckage of 10 missiles launched toward Saudi Arabia and drones used by the Houthi rebels, 'there are specific similarities between these weapons and Iranian-made weapons.' In a previous report in January 2018, UN experts stated that the Islamic Republic of Iran violated UN sanctions regarding the prohibition of supplying arms to the Houthi forces and their allies. The experts, citing the Security Council resolution prohibiting the direct or indirect supply of arms to the Houthis and their allies, stated that Tehran had violated this provision and had not shown the necessary caution. At that time, Nikki Haley, the US ambassador to the UN, presented the remnants of a missile as 'undeniable evidence' of arms shipments from Iran to the Yemeni rebels to diplomats. Iranian officials have always denied sending arms to the Houthi rebels in Yemen, although they do not hide their support for the insurgents. Tehran accused the US of providing 'fabricated evidence' regarding the missile fired at Riyadh airport last year. The Associated Press reports that the new UN report states, 'It appears that despite targeted arms sanctions, the Houthis still have access to ballistic missiles and drones and have likely intensified their campaign against Saudi Arabia.' According to experts, 'there is a high likelihood' that the missiles were manufactured outside Yemen and that their components were transferred to Yemen and assembled there. The report mentions that experts have seen electrical converters made by a Japanese company, and Cyrillic script in parts of the missiles, which may relate to Russia. The Yemen war has been ongoing for three years, resulting in at least 10,000 deaths and leaving two-thirds of the country's total population in need of humanitarian assistance. Meanwhile, nearly 9 million of the 27 million Yemeni citizens are on the brink of famine.