Valiati: Iran is Determined to Deliver Aid Ships to Yemen's Shores

Ali Akbar Velayati, a senior advisor to the Supreme Leader of the Islamic Republic, criticized Saudi Arabia in an interview with the Lebanese newspaper As-Safir, emphasizing what he called the continued 'resistance of the Yemenis.' He stated that Tehran is 'determined to deliver the humanitarian aid ship to the shores of Yemen.' He referred to the ship 'Iran Shahed,' which Iranian media described as a 'rescue ship,' and Iranian officials claim it carries '2,500 tons of humanitarian aid such as water, food, and medicine' for the people of Yemen. Previously, the United States had asked Iran to send this ship towards Djibouti, the distribution center for aid to Yemen. The official news agency of the Islamic Republic reported that Velayati expected this ship to reach the shores of Yemen within two days. On May 17, it was reported that the 'Iran Shahed' had arrived in the Gulf of Aden. The port of Aden is one of the most important areas where battles continue between Houthi rebels and their opponents - supporters of the ousted president Abdrabbuh Mansur Hadi. A coalition led by Saudi Arabia is also conducting airstrikes against the Houthis. Velayati, who had previously expressed support for the Houthi rebels in Yemen, stated in his interview with As-Safir, 'The Saudis are making a mistake; what do their actions lead to, and where do they end up? The Yemenis are resisting and will never forget the scandals of the Saudis.' Iran is accused by the ousted Yemeni government, currently based in Riyadh, of interfering in Yemen's affairs and supporting the Houthis. Velayati claimed, 'Not a single Iranian military force is present on Yemeni soil.' His statements regarding the absence of 'Iranian forces' come as Tehran has received warnings from the U.S. about 'sending weapons to Yemen.' The international advisor to Ayatollah Khamenei commented on the relations between Iran and the U.S., stating, 'The approach of Iran and the approach of the U.S. have not changed, and regional developments do not indicate that the two sides have come closer.' He also mentioned that the final nuclear agreement, which Iranian officials and six powerful countries are negotiating for a comprehensive document, is still not complete and talks are ongoing. Velayati stated that the Supreme Leader of the Islamic Republic has rejected inspections of military bases and 'we will never allow inspections of these facilities.' He had also mentioned a day earlier that the U.S. has 'backed away from some initial agreement points.' U.S. officials have not yet responded to these statements.