The Red Sea is of strategic importance to the United Kingdom due to both trade and as a route for its navy to pass through in order to reach India among other places.

South of Yemen is the British Colony of Aden and Aden Protectorate, which are at considerable risk of anti-colonialist rebellions.

Italy has colonies of its own in the region: Eritrea and Somaliland, both of low profitability.

There is considerable belief that increased ties with the Mutawakkilite Kingdom of Yemen would fuel increased trade with the colonies and bring the region under the Italian sphere.

The Yemeni Kingdom at this point has its eye on annexing Aden and, with the advent of Imam Yahya, also has aspirations for a Greater Yemen.

In September 1926 the Italo-Yemeni Treaty, also known as the Treaty of San'a, is signed.

Described as a friendship treaty, it recognizes Yahya as King of Yemen and his claims to Aden.