Friday World January 1, 2026
Yemen's crisis has deepened once again. The rapid military advances by the
Southern Transitional Council (STC) in southern Yemen have escalated tensions among regional powers to new heights.
In December 2025, the UAE-backed STC seized large parts of Hadhramaut and Al-Mahra provinces on a massive scale, including the city of Sayoun and oil-rich areas.
Meanwhile, Iran has sent a clear message: it will not accept any action that undermines Yemen's unity and territorial integrity, increases instability, and creates insecurity across the entire region.
Iran's Foreign Ministry Spokesperson Esmaeil Baghaei stated during a press briefing on Wednesday that Tehran is closely monitoring security developments in southern and eastern Yemen. He urged all parties to exercise restraint and resolve existing issues through dialogue.
→ Baghaei strongly emphasized that the only sustainable solution to the Yemen crisis is comprehensive dialogue, implementation of the roadmap, and the formation of an inclusive government within the framework of Yemen's territorial unity.
This statement from Iran came at a time when the STC has rejected Saudi Arabia's demand to withdraw from the captured provinces.
→ The STC took control of Sayoun and Tarim cities in Hadhramaut, forcing pro-government forces to retreat toward Marib.
→ In Al-Mahra province, the STC has incorporated several local leaders into its alliance and expanded control over areas near the Omani border.
The STC claims that these operations aim to eliminate extremists and curb smuggling activities. However, these moves have raised serious questions about the future of Yemen's unity.
Yemen: STC's Rapid Progress – At a Glance**
Hadhramaut Province** Yemen's largest province, containing more than 80% of the country's oil reserves. The STC has captured key oil facilities including Sayoun, Tarim, and Petromasila.
Al-Mahra Province** Bordering Oman, the STC gained control with minimal resistance, including the city of Ghaydah and the Nishtun port.
Outcome The STC now controls most of eastern southern Yemen – an area very close to the territory of the pre-1990 independent South Yemen – significantly strengthening separatist demands.
Saudi Arabia appealed to the STC to withdraw from these provinces and there have even been reports of airstrikes, but the STC has firmly refused.
→ Differences between the UAE and Saudi Arabia are now openly visible, with the UAE emerging as a strong and consistent supporter of the STC.
Iran's position is clear: these developments pose a serious threat to regional stability.
→ Tehran believes that attempts to divide Yemen will not only weaken the fight against the Houthi rebels but will also spread instability across West Asia.
→ Baghaei stressed that all concerned parties must prioritize the interests of the Yemeni people and regional security, and choose the path of dialogue. **
Regional Implications and Future Challenges** This new turn in Yemen is not only fueling the Saudi-UAE rivalry but could also impact vital trade routes in the Red Sea and Arabian Sea.
→ The STC's success has strengthened the possibility of southern Yemen's separation, which could reverse the 1990 unification.
→ Iran, widely seen as a supporter of the Houthis, is now advocating for Yemen's unity in order to limit American-Israeli influence in the region.
Experts warn that if dialogue fails, Yemen could descend into a new civil war, pulling Saudi Arabia, the UAE, Iran, and other regional powers into deeper conflict,
For now, Iran's message remains unambiguous: any step that promotes instability is unacceptable.
Peace and unity remain the only viable path forward for the people of Yemen.
Friday World January 1, 2026
Sajjadali Nayani✍
