G7 foreign ministers in New York urge Iran to stop supporting Houthis — The National
The foreign ministers of the G7 countries, meeting in New York, United States, called on Iran to stop supplying weapons and other support to Yemen’s Houthi movement. In a statement released after talks on the sidelines of the UN General Assembly on Monday, they warned of risks to international trade and global stability.
The G7 includes the United Kingdom, Canada, France, Germany, Italy, Japan and the United States. As The National reports, in a joint statement the ministers condemned the Houthis’ continuing strikes in Yemen and against Saudi Arabia.
Call to stop attacks
The foreign ministers also called on the Houthis to immediately cease hostilities, threats and attacks on civilian shipping, and to return to the political process in good faith.
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The Iranian-backed Houthis control Sanaa and significant territories in northern and western Yemen. According to the publication, Tehran has provided the group with weapons, funding, training and technical support, while Iran denies directly directing its operations.
Importance of the Bab el-Mandeb Strait
The G7 statement came after the Houthis advanced along Yemen’s western coast, including by seizing Mocha and strategic islands. This, according to The National, gave the group de facto control over the Bab el-Mandeb Strait.
The publication notes that this sea route has gained greater importance for Saudi energy exports after Iran restricted shipping through the Strait of Hormuz. The Bab el-Mandeb Strait could become an alternative route for oil supplies from Persian Gulf countries to global markets.
