US Special Envoy for Yemen, Timothy Lenderking, headed to the region on Monday with his visit being planned to last until March 3. The visit came after the Iranian-backed Houthi group intensified its offensives to take Marib, which is the last stronghold of the internationally-recognized government in Yemen. During the visit, it is expected that the Special Envoy will meet with high-level officials in the region and U.N. Special Envoy for Yemen, Martin Griffiths. Based on the statement released by the State Department, in accordance with the US’ dual-track understanding to bring an end to the Yemeni conflict, promoting a political solution and providing humanitarian relief for the Yemeni people will be at the top of the Envoy’s agenda.
Approximately two weeks ago, Lenderking had paid a visit to the region to carry out negotiations with top officials including Saudi Foreign Minister Faisal bin Farhan. Following this visit, it was stated that the US administration is making efforts to revive diplomacy with Gulf countries, the United Nations, and other actors to create a fertile environment for a ceasefire and a comprehensive political settlement to end the war in Yemen.
Before, the Secretary of State Antony Blinken declared that ending the war in Yemen is one of the top priorities of the new US administration. In this line, the Biden administration revoked the decision which was taken by Donald Trump on his last day in office to designate the Houthis as a terrorist organization.
