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The Saudi Ministry of Foreign Affairs said in a statement that it welcomed the UN Security Council condemnation of Houthi attacks on the Kingdom and commercial vessels, urging the international community to take a firm position against actions that undermine peace efforts in Yemen. The ministry expressed appreciation for the council’s call to respect international law and relevant resolutions, particularly Resolution 2216, along with Yemen’s sovereignty, unity and territorial integrity. It further highlighted the statement’s rejection of practices threatening regional security and the freedom of maritime navigation.
A UN Security Council press statement issued on August 7 condemned Houthi missile attacks against Saudi Arabia that began on July 13 and strikes on commercial vessels dating to July 22. Council members also denounced unauthorized landings of Iranian aircraft at Sanaa International Airport on July 3 and Hodeidah Airport on July 13, which occurred without approval from the Yemeni government in violation of international civil aviation standards. The statement warned that such actions risk escalating tensions and undermining broader peace initiatives across the region.
Council members reaffirmed their commitment to Yemen’s sovereignty, independence and territorial integrity according to the press statement, stressing that all flights into Yemeni airports require prior coordination with and authorization from the legitimate government. They underscored the importance of maintaining safe air access for humanitarian and civilian purposes in line with international law. The council additionally highlighted Resolution 2216’s prohibitions on providing arms, training or financial support to designated entities including the Houthis.
The Saudi statement reiterated the Kingdom’s call for the international community to implement relevant UN Security Council resolutions and to counter violations that jeopardize regional stability, international navigation and trade. It affirmed Saudi Arabia’s right to defend its security, sovereignty, citizens and infrastructure against any threats in accordance with international law. The ministry expressed continued support for Yemen’s legitimate government and the work of UN Special Envoy Hans Grundberg toward an inclusive political settlement.
Renewed Houthi threats have disrupted Red Sea shipping patterns in recent weeks, with Reuters reporting that multiple tankers altered course after warnings to avoid Saudi ports, citing ship-tracking data from LSEG and MarineTraffic. Suez Canal Authority figures show traffic through the canal fell 52 percent in 2025 compared with 2023 levels, reaching its lowest point in at least five decades amid the cumulative impact of such attacks. Lloyd’s List Intelligence data places average monthly sailings in the southern Red Sea at roughly half the volume recorded before late 2023.
The council urged the Houthis to avoid further escalation and to pursue dialogue through established channels, according to its August 7 statement. It reiterated full support for Grundberg’s mediation aimed at a Yemeni-led political process consistent with prior agreements and resolutions. Saudi Arabia has maintained its backing for these UN-led efforts while emphasizing the need to protect maritime security in the Bab el-Mandeb Strait and surrounding waters.
