The foreign ministers of G7 nations have issued a joint statement urging Iran to "end its arming of and support" for the Houthis in Yemen. The G7 condemned Houthi attacks on Saudi Arabia, stating that the recent escalation in fighting against Saudi-backed forces poses a threat to regional and global energy security. Thousands of refugees have fled Yemen in recent days as the Iran-backed group seized territory along the Red Sea coastline, including near the Bab al-Mandab Strait, a vital shipping route for global trade.
The statement was released ahead of the annual UN General Assembly in New York, where senior Iranian officials are scheduled to speak. The G7 ministers called on the Houthis to cease all military actions and threats against civilian shipping and to engage in the political process in good faith. They described the Houthis' actions as a dangerous pattern of escalation that risks exacerbating the conflict and undermining international trade.
The ministers reaffirmed their commitment to supporting the legitimate Government of Yemen and emphasized the importance of Yemen's unity, sovereignty, independence, and territorial integrity. Their statement followed a meeting on the sidelines of the UN General Assembly.
In related developments, at least six people were reported killed in Saudi strikes on the Yemeni city of Mokha, according to Houthi-affiliated media. Among the deceased were two children and a woman, with eight others injured in the attack on the city, which the Houthis had recently taken from pro-government forces. The UN estimates that over 120,000 Yemenis have been displaced due to the recent surge in fighting along Yemen's Red Sea coast.
Earlier this month, the Houthis took control of Bab al-Mandab, a critical maritime chokepoint. In response, Saudi Arabia has conducted hundreds of air strikes in the region, while the Houthis have launched numerous drones and missiles at Saudi cities and infrastructure, including the capital, Riyadh. UK Prime Minister Andy Burnham announced that the UK would provide "defensive air-to-air refuelling" support for Saudi Arabia, following a request for military assistance. France has also pledged support, focusing on securing Saudi energy infrastructure defensively. Reports indicate that Saudi Crown Prince Mohammed bin Salman has requested military support from US President Donald Trump, who has been deliberating on the request. US embassies across the Middle East issued new security alerts as fighting intensified between the Houthis and the Saudi-backed coalition in Yemen.