G7 Demands Iran Halt Houthi Armament as Yemen Conflict Escalates

The foreign ministers of the G7 nations have issued a joint statement urging Iran to immediately cease its provision of arms and support to the Houthi rebels in Yemen. The declaration was released on the sidelines of the annual United Nations General Assembly in New York, as diplomatic efforts intensify to address the escalating regional conflict.

The group also condemned Houthi attacks against Saudi Arabia in the strongest possible terms, warning that the recent surge in fighting between the Iran-backed group and Saudi-backed government forces poses a significant threat to both regional stability and global energy security. The ministers called for an immediate halt to all military actions, threats, and attacks on civilian shipping, urging the Houthis to re-engage in good faith with the political process.

Recent military gains by the Houthis along Yemen’s Red Sea coastline, including areas near the Bab al-Mandab Strait—a critical chokepoint for international trade—have triggered a refugee crisis. Thousands of Yemenis have fled the country in recent days, with the UN estimating that more than 120,000 people have been displaced by the sudden escalation.

Retaliatory strikes by Saudi Arabia have continued, with reports indicating that at least six people, including two children and a woman, were killed in airstrikes on the strategic city of Mokha earlier this week. The Houthis, who seized Mokha from pro-government forces earlier in September, confirmed the casualties via affiliated media outlets. Saudi Arabia has not yet officially commented on the reported strikes.

In response to the deteriorating situation, several G7 members are moving to assist Saudi Arabia. UK Prime Minister Andy Burnham announced that Britain will provide defensive air-to-air refueling support using a single Voyager aircraft based at RAF Akrotiri in Cyprus. A diplomatic source indicated that France has also pledged support, emphasizing a strictly defensive approach to securing Saudi energy infrastructure.

Meanwhile, US President Donald Trump is facing pressure after Saudi Crown Prince Mohammed bin Salman requested military assistance. Reports suggest Trump has been deliberating on the request for weeks, with his stance described as fluctuating. US embassies across the Middle East have issued new security alerts as hostilities between the Houthis and the Saudi-backed coalition intensify.

Iran continues to deny accusations that it supplies weapons to the Houthis, maintaining that its support is purely political. The Houthi movement identifies itself as part of the Iranian-led “axis of resistance” opposing Israel, the United States, and Western interests, alongside groups such as Hamas and Lebanon’s Hezbollah.

The G7 statement reaffirmed its commitment to the sovereignty, unity, and territorial integrity of Yemen, vowing continued support for the internationally recognized government as the conflict threatens to further destabilize the region and disrupt global trade routes.