Yemeni president: "foreign plot" behind Shiite rebels' advances in the capital

SANAA, Yemen – Yemeni President Abed Rabbo Mansour Hadi says the sweep by Shiite rebels over the capital is part of a "foreign plot," implicltly blaming Iran, which he has accused of backing the group.

Hadi's Tuesday remarks came days after the Shiite rebels known as Hawthis swept through the capital after weeklong battles, dealing a heavy blow to Sunni Islamists.

A United Nations-brokered peace deal was signed Sunday, making concessions to the Hawthis, who deployed fighters in the streets, set up checkpoints and seized weapons after overrunning their opponents barracks.

"The chapters of the foreign plot are not complete yet," Hadi told a gathering of lawmakers.

Earlier, Hadi accused Hawthis of receiving Iranian support. Iran in the past has denied backing the rebels.