G7 calls out Iran's Houthi support

The foreign ministers of seven major democracies demanded Iran end arming the Houthis in Yemen, saying the group's escalating attacks threaten regional and global energy security.

“We call on the Houthis to immediately cease all military actions, all threats and attacks against civilian shipping.”

Houthis seize key shipping chokepoint

The Iran-backed group took control of the Bab al-Mandab Strait, a narrow gateway to global shipping routes, forcing thousands of Yemeni refugees to flee the Red Sea coast.

Iran denies arming the group

Iran has previously denied supplying weapons to the Houthis, claiming it only provides political support. Western powers say UN embargoes have been violated repeatedly.

“Iran has previously denied supplying weapons to the Houthis and says it only supports them politically.”

Escalating attacks on both sides

The Houthis launched hundreds of drones and missiles at Saudi cities including Riyadh, while Saudi Arabia retaliated with hundreds of air strikes across Houthi-controlled territory.

Civilian toll mounts rapidly

The UN estimates over 120,000 Yemenis have been displaced by recent fighting. Houthi-run media reported strikes killed civilians including children, while government media reported Houthi missiles hit a crowded market.

Western powers offer military support

The UK pledged air-to-air refuelling for Saudi Arabia, France offered defensive support for Saudi energy infrastructure, and the US president wavered on whether to provide military aid.

UN experts link Houthis to Iran

A UN panel concluded in 2024 that Iran's Revolutionary Guards, Hezbollah and Iraqi specialists transformed the Houthis into a powerful military force through weapons transfers, training and assistance.

Ceasefire unravels after a decade

A four-year informal ceasefire began to collapse in July when the Houthis announced a maritime embargo against Saudi Arabia and launched missile and drone attacks on Saudi infrastructure.