The foreign ministers of the G7 nations have called on Iran to end its military support and arming of the Houthi movement in Yemen, warning that the group’s recent actions pose risks to regional stability and global energy security.
In a joint statement issued after a meeting on the sidelines of the United Nations General Assembly in New York, the ministers condemned what they described as Houthi attacks against Saudi Arabia.
The G7 also expressed concern over the renewed fighting involving Saudi-backed forces in Yemen, saying the escalation could threaten international trade and energy supplies.
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“We call on the Houthis to immediately cease all military actions, all threats and attacks against civilian shipping, and to return to the political process in good faith,” the ministers said.
The statement was signed by the foreign ministers of the United Kingdom, Canada, France, Germany, Italy, Japan and the United States.
The ministers warned that the Houthis’ actions risk worsening the conflict, disrupting international commerce and contributing to wider economic instability.
“Looking forward, we will continue to support the legitimate Government of Yemen and reaffirm our strong commitment to the unity, sovereignty, independence, and territorial integrity of Yemen,” they said.
The statement came ahead of the annual UN General Assembly, where senior Iranian officials are expected to participate.
Fighting Intensifies Along Yemen’s Red Sea Coast
Thousands of people have reportedly fled their homes in Yemen following the latest surge in fighting, particularly along the country’s Red Sea coastline.
The Iran-backed Houthis have recently captured territory in the area, including positions near the Bab al-Mandab Strait, one of the world’s key maritime chokepoints linking the Red Sea with the Gulf of Aden and the wider Indian Ocean.
The United Nations estimates that more than 120,000 Yemenis have been displaced by the recent fighting along the Red Sea coast.
The Houthis had previously established control over much of Yemen’s most heavily populated territory before expanding their presence around the strategic coastal region.
Saudi Arabia has responded with hundreds of air strikes in areas held by the Houthis.
The Houthis have also carried out drone and missile attacks targeting cities and infrastructure in southwestern Saudi Arabia, including Riyadh.
Meanwhile, at least six people were reportedly killed in Saudi air strikes on the strategic Yemeni city of Mokha, according to AFP, which cited Houthi-affiliated media.
The reported casualties included two children and a woman, while eight other people were said to have been injured.
The Houthis captured Mokha from pro-government forces earlier this month. Saudi Arabia, which supports Yemen’s internationally recognised government, has yet to publicly comment on the reported strikes.
UK and France Offer Defensive Support
UK Prime Minister Andy Burnham said Britain would provide “defensive air-to-air refuelling” assistance to Saudi Arabia through a single Voyager aircraft operating from RAF Akrotiri in Cyprus.
Burnham said the decision followed a request from Riyadh for military assistance and was approved following advice from Defence Secretary Wes Streeting and Foreign Secretary Ed Miliband.
A French diplomatic source also told AFP that France had pledged support and was prepared to assist in protecting Saudi energy infrastructure through what it described as a strictly defensive approach.
Saudi Crown Prince Mohammed bin Salman has also reportedly requested military assistance from US President Donald Trump, according to US media reports.
The New York Times reported on Monday that Trump had spent weeks considering whether to respond to Saudi Arabia’s request for assistance against the Houthis.
Trump had earlier told Fox News that he was in “deciding mode” as he weighed possible options regarding the conflict involving Iran.
The escalation has also prompted additional security warnings. On Sunday, US embassies across the Middle East issued new alerts as fighting between the Houthis and Saudi-backed forces intensified.
The Houthis describe themselves as part of the Iranian-led “axis of resistance” against Israel, the United States and Western powers. The grouping includes Hamas and Lebanon’s Hezbollah movement.
Iran has previously rejected allegations that it supplies weapons to the Houthis, maintaining that its support for the group is political.
