Iran, which has supported the fellow Shi'ite Houthis, welcomed the cease-fire, which followed months of factional fighting between the militant group and forces loyal to the government, which was driven out of the capital Sanaa.

"Operation Decisive Storm has achieved its goals ... (including) removing the threat to Saudi Arabia and neighboring countries, especially in terms of heavy weapons," a statement carried by the Saudi state news agency SPA said.

It said a new phase called "Operation Restoring Hope" was beginning. It would combine political, diplomatic, and military action but would focus on "the political process that will lead to a stable and secure future for Yemen."