Iran Calls for Yemen Cease-Fire
Iran is calling for an immediate cease-fire in Yemen, where Houthi rebels have seized territory and drawn in a Saudi-led campaign of airstrikes backing President Abd-Rabbu Mansour Hadi.
Iranian President Hassan Rouhani said Tuesday the proposal for a halt in fighting, talks among the Yemeni parties and the formation of an inclusive government is the way to solve the country’s crisis.
The four-week-old bombing campaign continued Tuesday with more airstrikes on the capital, Sana’a, which the Iranian-backed Houthis seized last September.
An airstrike on a missile depot near the city on Monday set off a massive explosion, killing at least 25 people and wounding hundreds more.
Meanwhile, the United States is deploying an aircraft carrier to join other American warships in the waters near Yemen in what the Pentagon said is a move to ensure vital Gulf shipping lanes remain open.
A spokesman denied the ships would be used to intercept Iranian vessels suspected of smuggling weapons to the Houthis.
Fifth Fleet spokesman Kevin Stephens said there are a number of steps the Navy could take if it has indications that weapons are on Iranian ships, including a simple request to come aboard.
The White House says it has evidence Iran is supplying weapons and other support to the Houthis.
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