Houthis Advance in Yemen as US Steers Clear; G7 Urges Iran to Stop Arming Group

The Iran-backed Houthi movement has recently launched a significant offensive in Yemen, seizing control of strategic areas along the Red Sea coast, including the port city of Mokha and several islands. This advance grants the Houthis effective control over the vital Bab Al Mandeb strait, a crucial international shipping lane. The intensified conflict, which has seen the Houthis conduct strikes against Saudi Arabia, including its capital Riyadh, and target Saudi shipping, threatens global trade and energy supplies, while also displacing tens of thousands of people.

Amidst this escalation, the United States has largely maintained a policy of non-intervention, opting to steer clear of direct military involvement in Yemen despite appeals from Saudi Arabia. Reports indicate that President Donald Trump reportedly halted planned US airstrikes against the Houthis at the last minute. American officials have engaged in direct talks with Houthi leaders, with the Houthis reportedly reassuring the US that American shipping in the Red Sea would not be targeted.

Concurrently, G7 foreign ministers, meeting on the sidelines of the UN General Assembly, have issued a strong condemnation of the Houthi advances and attacks. The G7 called on Iran to cease its alleged arming and support of the Houthis, warning that such actions risk undermining international trade and destabilizing global security. While Iran denies directly supplying weapons, maintaining its support is political, the international community continues to press for an immediate cessation of Houthi military actions and a return to political dialogue.