Ban Ki-moon, the Secretary-General of the United Nations, has called for UN-sanctioned talks to convene in Geneva on Thursday with the goal of finding a way forward in Yemen.

Since March 19, an Arab-led international coalition of 10 nations — the UAE is proud to be playing an active and key role in the mission — has been attempting to turn back Al Houthi rebels who have spread chaos and subversion across Yemen. The international coalition has the backing of the UN Security Council in restoring the legitimate government of President Abd Rabbo Mansour Hadi.

So far — as a direct result of Al Houthis’ actions in usurping the legitimate government — nearly 2,000 people have been killed and Al Houthis’ policies have imposed hardship on Yemen’s civilian population. That Iran has been complicit in supplying arms and advisors to Al Houthis has added to the difficulties endured by Yemenis.

The talks on Thursday are to be all-inclusive — and constitute an opportunity that Al Houthis cannot ignore. Recent Saudi-brokered talks in Riyadh were ignored by Al Houthis, making it clear that the rebels are not interested in finding a peaceful way out of the mess that they have created.

There is a reality that Al Houthis must recognise: There is but one legitimate government in Yemen; it has the backing of the Arab coalition and it is recognised as such by the UN and its Security Council. Yes, Al Houthis have a role to play in building a new and stable Yemen. So too do all ethnic and tribal groupings in the country.

And there is a further reality that Al Houthis must accept: Iran has no role to play in the politics and governance of Yemen. Interference, interloping and intervention from Tehran are not — and never will be — the way forward for Sana’a.

Until such a time as Al Houthis come to the table — in Geneva or elsewhere — to talk with a realistic set of proposals that recognise the legitimate government of Yemen, they will face further isolation and military eradication.