Reuters: The U.S. Calls for Condemnation of Iran's Actions in Yemen, Russia Opposes

Reuters reports that the United States is seeking a new UN Security Council resolution to condemn Iran's actions in Yemen, but Russia has opposed this move. On December 20, citing unnamed diplomats, Reuters states that the U.S. requested that the draft resolution concerning the ceasefire in Hodeidah specifically condemn the Islamic Republic, but Russia, a permanent member of the Security Council with veto power, rejected this. The Houthis, supported by Iran, and the government of Abdrabbuh Mansur Hadi, backed by Saudi Arabia, reached an agreement on a ceasefire in the port of Hodeidah last Thursday. This ceasefire is significant as Hodeidah plays a crucial role in humanitarian aid to Yemen, a war-torn country on the brink of widespread famine and outbreaks of diseases like cholera. The ceasefire in Hodeidah went into effect on Tuesday. The U.S., alongside its regional allies, has repeatedly criticized the Islamic Republic's actions in Yemen. Nikki Haley, the U.S. Ambassador to the UN, recently described Iran as the 'cause of the Yemen crisis.' Iran denies allegations of interference in the region while accusing the U.S. and its allies, particularly Saudi Arabia, of similar actions. Reports indicate that 15 members of the Security Council are currently reviewing a draft resolution proposed by the UK aimed at supporting peace negotiations in Sweden, establishing a monitoring mechanism, and deploying forces to Yemen to maintain the ceasefire. According to Reuters, the draft seen by the agency condemns 'the transfer of any weapons and military equipment contrary to Yemen's arms embargo.' The draft does not specify any particular country. Reuters further reports that the U.S. sought to have Tehran explicitly condemned in the new resolution on Yemen, but Russia opposed the language used. The UN Security Council passed a resolution three years ago that imposed an arms embargo on military forces in Yemen. UN experts noted in January 2018 that Tehran violated this embargo by sending weapons directly or indirectly to the Houthis and their allies. A recent confidential report from the UN Secretary-General also stated that two anti-tank missile launchers found by the Arab coalition in Yemen appear to be of Iranian manufacture. Violations of Yemen's sanctions have repeatedly been a focal point of severe U.S. criticism against Tehran, with the U.S. State Department citing them as evidence of Iran's 'destabilizing' and 'destructive' behavior. Reuters also notes that despite condemning mass attacks and targeting civilians, the current draft does not mention Saudi Arabia by name. The Arab coalition has faced severe criticism from human rights organizations regarding its airstrike tactics. The U.S.-based 'Global Peace Foundation' reported two months ago that the humanitarian crisis in Yemen is caused by two main factors: the airstrikes of the coalition countries and the war on food and economic crisis. Diplomats have stated that the goal of the Security Council is to reach a new resolution on Yemen within this week. The U.S., Russia, China, France, and the UK can individually veto any resolution; if not vetoed, a vote of 9 members is required for its approval. Martin Griffiths, the UN envoy for Yemen, described monitoring the ceasefire in Hodeidah as essential. According to this UN official, the immediate presence of observers from this body is 'vital for ensuring [the implementation of the ceasefire in Hodeidah].'