The United Nations says it will convene a meeting of Yemen’s rival factions in Geneva one week from today. A spokesperson for U.N. Secretary-General Ban Ki-moon said the aim is a negotiated settlement after over seven weeks of conflict.

Farhan Haq: “The only durable resolution to the crisis in Yemen is an inclusive, negotiated political settlement. The United Nations has worked closely with Yemenis since 2011 to support national aspirations for change. With this experience, and coupled with Yemen’s tradition of dialogue, the secretary-general hopes these consultations will help Yemen relaunch the political process, reduce the levels of violence and alleviate the intolerable humanitarian situation.”

The announcement comes as residents of the capital Sana’a say they’ve suffered the most intensive night of Saudi-led bombings since the offensive began in late March. Meanwhile, Iran has announced it will submit a cargo ship carrying humanitarian supplies to international inspections in Djibouti before arriving in Yemen. Iran had sent the ship in defiance of a Saudi blockade that has deprived Yemen of fuel and basic goods. The inspection could avoid the risk of a major showdown with Saudi vessels enforcing the siege.