G7 urges Iran to end support for Houthis as Yemen fighting escalates
G7 foreign ministers condemned Houthi attacks on Saudi Arabia and warned that the conflict is threatening regional and global energy security.
The G7 has called on Iran to end what it described as the arming and support of Yemen’s Houthi movement, while condemning the group’s attacks on Saudi Arabia.
In a joint statement issued ahead of the United Nations General Assembly, the foreign ministers said the escalation against Saudi-backed pro-government forces posed a threat to regional and global energy security.
The ministers urged the Houthis to immediately halt military operations, threats and attacks on civilian shipping, and return to political negotiations. They said the group’s actions risked undermining international trade and contributing to global economic instability.
The escalation has centred on Yemen’s Red Sea coast, including territory near the Bab al-Mandab Strait, a maritime chokepoint linking the Red Sea with the Gulf of Aden. The United Nations estimates that more than 120,000 Yemenis have been displaced by the recent fighting.
At least six people were reportedly killed in Saudi strikes on the Yemeni port city of Mokha, according to AFP, citing Houthi-affiliated media. The report had not been independently verified, and Saudi Arabia had not commented on the alleged strikes.
Iran denies supplying weapons to the Houthis and says its support is political. Western governments and a UN expert panel have alleged that Iranian assistance, including weapons, training and other material support, has strengthened the group.
The conflict began in 2014 when the Houthis ousted Yemen’s government from Sanaa, followed by Saudi-led military intervention in 2015. The G7 said it would continue supporting Yemen’s legitimate government and its unity, sovereignty, independence and territorial integrity.
