Aden - The United Nations Special Envoy for Yemen has issued a stark warning that escalating regional tensions could unravel the fragile peace process in Yemen, jeopardizing years of diplomatic progress and humanitarian efforts.

Speaking before the UN Security Council on Tuesday, Envoy Hans Grundberg emphasized that while Yemen has witnessed a relative lull in large-scale hostilities, the situation remains precarious. 

“The conflict in Yemen is not isolated,” Grundberg said. “It is deeply intertwined with broader regional dynamics, and recent developments risk reigniting violence.”

Rising Regional Tensions

The warning comes amid heightened instability in the Red Sea region and renewed hostilities between neighboring states. Analysts fear that external actors could exploit Yemen’s internal divisions, fueling proxy conflicts and undermining peace negotiations.

Grundberg pointed to recent cross-border attacks and political maneuvering by regional powers as signs that the conflict could escalate. “Yemen’s peace is fragile, and it cannot be sustained in a vacuum,” he noted.

Diplomatic Efforts at Risk

The UN-led peace initiative, which has facilitated prisoner exchanges and temporary ceasefires, now faces significant challenges. Grundberg urged all parties to recommit to dialogue and avoid actions that could derail the process.

“The Yemeni people have endured unimaginable suffering,” he said. “They deserve a future free from war, and that future depends on the restraint and cooperation of regional stakeholders.”

Humanitarian Concerns

The humanitarian situation remains dire, with over 21 million people in need of assistance. Aid agencies warn that renewed conflict could further restrict access to food, medicine, and shelter.

Grundberg concluded his address with a call for unity: “We must not allow regional turmoil to extinguish the fragile hope that has begun to take root in Yemen.”