Yemen FM Rejects Iranian Mediation, Accuses Tehran of Prolonging War

Yemeni Foreign Minister Afrah Al-Zubaidi publicly rejected Iranian mediation efforts, accusing Tehran of prolonging the conflict through military and financial support to the Houthis, and called for the group's designation as a terrorist organization. This marks a hardening of the internationally recognized government's stance against Iran, coinciding with U.S. Defense Secretary Lloyd Austin's similar accusations. The move signals a potential escalation in regional diplomatic tensions, though it remains unclear if it will alter the military balance or peace process.