UN urges halt to Houthi Red Sea attacks amid risk of regional escalation

The United Nations said it is "deeply alarmed" by the resurgence of Houthi attacks on commercial vessels in the Red Sea and the Bab al‑Mandab Strait, warning that such actions could heighten regional instability and draw Yemen further into the conflict. Secretary‑General António Guterres called for an immediate cessation of hostilities, citing potential economic, humanitarian and environmental consequences for the wider Middle East.

Iran’s foreign ministry spokesman emphasized that a military solution to the Yemeni crisis is unacceptable, urging a return to dialogue and the full implementation of the agreed‑upon roadmap, while calling for an end to restrictions on essential goods and fuel to the Yemeni population.

Yemen’s minister of information and culture, Maammar Al‑Eriani, rejected Houthi claims that their threats target only Saudi ships, noting that the Red Sea and Bab al‑Mandab handle 12‑15% of global maritime trade, roughly 12% of oil and about 8% of LNG shipments. Disruption of this route would affect worldwide energy markets and trade flows, underscoring the international stakes of the escalation.