Iran To Use Influence As 'Major Power' To Bring Peace To Yemen

Iran says it will use its influence as a "major force" in the region to broker a peace deal to end fighting in Yemen.

Iranian Foreign Minister Mohammad Javad Zarif said in the Portuguese capital, Lisbon, on April 15 that Tehran would use its contacts with "all groups in various countries" to bring "everybody to the negotiating table."

Yemeni government forces have battled Shi'ite Huthi rebels allied with mutinous government troops for control of the country since last year.

A Saudi-led coalition has used air strikes against the rebels to keep them from taking over the southern port city of Aden.

Zarif said he has consulted with Saudi allies Turkey and Pakistan about the crisis in Yemen, which has caused a humanitarian crisis.

Saudi Arabia and several Gulf countries have accused Iran of supporting the Huthis, a charge Tehran rejects.

Zarif on April 14 outlined a peace plan consisting of a cease-fire, humanitarian aid, dialogue, and the establishment of a multiparty government.

Based on reporting by Reuters and AP