Iran has proposed a peace plan for Yemen that calls for a ceasefire followed by talks by all sides that would be mediated by foreigners, Iranian Foreign Minister Mohammad Javad Zarif said Tuesday.

"I proposed a ceasefire followed by all inclusive Yemeni dialogue that is facilitated by others, leading to the formation of a government in Yemen that represents a broadly based community," Zarif, who was speaking in English, told a news conference in Madrid.

Shiite Huthi rebels -- who Yemen says are backed by Iran --  have seized swathes of territory in Yemen since they entered the capital Sanaa in September 2014, forcing government forces to flee.

Yemen slid deeper into turmoil after a Saudi-led air campaign began on March 26 to push back the rebels' advance after they forced President Abedrabbo Mansour Hadi to flee the country.
Source: AFP