Iran-Backed Houthi Leader Calls for National Reconciliation in Yemen

SANA'A – Sultan al-Samai, Vice President of the so-called Supreme Political Council of the Houthi-led authorities in Sana'a, has called for a comprehensive national reconciliation, marking the 35th anniversary of Yemeni unification on May 22.

Known as "Iran’s second man in Yemen", al-Samai emphasized the failure of the military solution and stressed that dialogue and coexistence among Yemen's national forces is the only viable path forward.

Al-Samai reportedly receives direct support from the Iranian embassy in Sana’a and enjoys independent funding outside the Houthi structure. Iran is also behind the financing of Al-Sahat TV, a satellite channel affiliated with al-Samai, now broadcasting from Tehran after being banned in Beirut at the request of the Yemeni government.

Observers say the move reflects a new Iranian political maneuver to push for a political settlement in Yemen, as military options continue to stall.

The key question remains: will other Yemeni factions respond positively to the call, or view it as another political ploy?