Iran’s ambassador to the Houthi movement in Yemen has died of COVID-19 after being evacuated to Iran last week. The Islamic Republic’s Foreign Ministry made the announcement of Hasan Irlu’s death on Tuesday.
The ministry blamed unnamed countries for causing a delay in the envoy’s return home. Irlu, “was evacuated in poor condition due to delayed cooperation from certain countries,” ministry spokesman Saeed Khatibzadeh told state media. Irlu was repatriated via an Iraqi plane.
Saudi Arabia has led a coalition in support of the internationally recognized government of Yemen, which has imposed an air and sea blockade on areas of Yemen controlled by the Houthis.
Irlu’s name appears on a US blacklist due to his position, according to the US Treasury, as an official of the Quds Force of the Iranian Revolutionary Guards.