Unless something unexpected happens, Iran is expected to reach the nuclear talks in Vienna at the end of the month with a significant strategic achievement, related to the war in Yemen.

In recent weeks, it appears that the pro-Iranian militia in a ravaged country near the Houthis will soon be able to take control of the strategic Marib province.

The Houthis are advancing on three axes in the province as Saudi-led coalition forces try to halt progress with aerial bombardments. Marib district covers an area of about 17,000 square kilometers about 120 km east of the capital Sanaa. It is located in the center of the country on the axis between the south and the north and has been considered to this day a stronghold of opposition to the Houthis.

Beyond that, Marib province is rich in oil and gas and is a center for agriculture in Yemen. The district has a refinery - one of two in the country - with a production capacity of about 20,000 barrels per day.