Iran's government on Friday called for an end to Saudi Arabia's blockade of Yemen and the immediate resumption of talks, in its first public statement since Iran-backed Houthi rebels entered a key Yemeni port.

The statement, carried by Iran's state-run news agency, said Yemen's sovereignty must be respected and that its problems cannot be resolved through a blockade or military alliances. Iran also said it was ready to help support negotiations.

The Houthis' entry into the port intensified their threat to a key global shipping alternative to the Strait of Hormuz. Experts said the developments in Yemen could give Tehran more leverage in any negotiations with the United States after more than six months of war.