An official from the Iranian Foreign Ministry is in Yemen to discuss a dispute over allegations that Tehran is supporting Shi’ite rebels in northern Yemen.
Yemen’s Interior Minister Rashad Al-‘Alimi alleged last week that Iran was supporting rebels from the Shi’ite Zeidi community in northern Yemen.
Upon his arrival in Yemen, Muhammad Jalal Feirouzni, who heads the Gulf section at the Iranian Foreign Ministry, said his visit was meant to strengthen ties between the two countries and to “clarify Iran’s position concerning Yemen’s accusations.”
Tehran insists the visit was planned prior to Al-‘Alimi’s remarks on Thursday.
Yemen recalled its ambassador from Iran earlier this month over the allegations.
The Yemenite army is engaged in an ongoing battle with a Shi’ite group located in northern Yemen.
Authorities say the group, the Believing Youth, wants to topple the government.
Thousands of soldiers and rebels have been killed in clashes since 2004.