YEMEN
A follower of the Houthi movement shouts slogans during a protest against the Saudi-led air strikes in Sanaa April 10, 2015. REUTERS/Mohamed al-Sayaghi REUTERS/Mohamed al-Sayaghi

The UN security council (UNSC) has imposed an arms embargo and travel ban targeting the Houthi rebel militia in Yemen, the former President Ali Abdullah Saleh and his son, who have teamed up with the Iran-allied Shi'ite group.

The UNSC 2216 resolution, which also demanded "immediately and unconditionally" to end violence in Yemen, passed with the only abstention being Russia, which is a permanent member of the council.

Earlier, Iran's English-language Press TV reported that the Islamic Republic will submit a four-point peace plan for resolving the crisis in the Gulf nation.

Iranian foreign minister Mohammad Javad Zarif, speaking in Spain, put forward a peace proposal based on a ceasefire, humanitarian assistance, dialogue between Yemeni factions and a broad-based government.

Iran has denied allegations that it is providing military support to the Houthis but sent two navy vessels to the Gulf of Aden, off the southern coast of Yemen, to "safeguard naval routes for vessels in the region".

US secretary of State John Kerry warned Iran over its alleged support for the Houthi rebels, who are being driven back by a Saudi-led coalition which seeks to restore President Abdrabbu Mansour Hadi, who fled the country last month.

Fighting increased in the city of Aden between the Houthis and militias loyal to Hadi. Iranian president Hassan Rouhani also appealed to countries in the region to stop the air raids and solve the crisis.