Yemen government denies Iran flight, cites security concerns

Yemen’s internationally recognised government has rejected a request from Iran to operate a Mahan Air flight from Tehran to Sanaa to repatriate a Houthi delegation, citing procedural and security concerns, according to Aawsat.

Officials said all flights must comply strictly with approved state procedures, adding that the decision was also driven by security considerations. They stressed they would not permit actions that could expand Iran’s influence in the country.

A Houthi representative condemned the move, saying the group has an "absolute right to travel through our airport to any destination in the world."

He added that the Houthis are prepared to "wage war, regardless of its scale," to defend that right.

By Tamilla Hasanova