UN envoy works to contain escalation on Yemen's western coast

UN Special Envoy for Yemen Hans Grundberg says he met Houthi chief negotiator Mohammed Abdul-Salam in Muscat over the weekend to explore ways to prevent further escalation. He also held talks in Riyadh with Yemen's internationally recognized government and regional powers including Saudi Arabia. Fierce battles on Yemen's western coast have killed hundreds and displaced tens of thousands. Grundberg described the escalation as unprecedented and dramatic, while pointing to the influence of Iran and neighboring states on the conflict. What is confirmed is that mediation channels remain active, not that a ceasefire exists. The next tests are movement on the front, humanitarian access, a negotiating framework and verifiable de-escalation measures.