Despite these efforts to strengthen relations, the ongoing conflict in Yemen and the political instability in Iraq have presented challenges to the development of a more robust bilateral relationship.

Furthermore, Houthi spokesman Mohamed Abdel Saleh claimed that Iraqi Prime Minister Haider al-Abadi recognised them as “representative of Yemen”.

[8][9] Iraq has perhaps been seen as a mediator for the Yemeni Civil War, as they have hosted five rounds of talks over the past year between Sunni-majority Saudi Arabia and Shia-majority Iran, aimed at restoring relations between the two.

[11] In June 2024, during the Israel-Hamas war, the Yemeni Houthis in control of Sana'a and the Islamic Resistance in Iraq began launching joint military operations on Israel and ships in Haifa Port in support of Palestinians of Gaza Strip.

[12][13] During the Gulf War, Yemen officially condemned the US-led coalition's military intervention in the region and opposed the involvement of non-Arab countries.