Thank you, President. Special Envoy Hans Grundberg and Under-Secretary-General Tom Fletcher highlighted the precarious situation in Yemen and the threats posed by the Houthis to international peace and security during a UN Security Council briefing.
The United States has expressed concerns over Iran's support for the Houthis, which includes providing weapons, financial aid, and training. This support has enabled the Houthis to launch attacks on civilian infrastructure and U.S. Navy warships since 2023. They have also targeted commercial vessels indiscriminately. Additionally, there are reports of detentions involving UN staff, diplomats, NGO personnel, and several U.S. locally employed staff members.
A recent incident involved the death of a World Food Programme (WFP) staff member while in Houthi detention. The United States condemns this act and extends condolences to his family and colleagues. This event underscores ongoing threats from both Iran and the Houthis against peace and security.
Iran's actions are seen as violations of an arms embargo imposed by the Council on the group over a decade ago. Ambassador Dorothy Shea emphasized that it is imperative for every Council member to press Iran to cease its support for the Houthis.
Ambassador Shea pointed out that Houthi activities threaten American civilians in the Middle East, regional partners' safety, global maritime trade stability, and local economies. In response to these threats, the Trump Administration is considering designating the Houthis as a Foreign Terrorist Organization.
The international community is urged to collaborate with regional partners to dismantle Houthi capabilities threatening international shipping routes. It is crucial for the Houthis to cease all attacks in strategic waterways like the Red Sea immediately.
To curb illicit revenue streams sustaining Houthi operations, targeted sanctions are suggested alongside efforts to prevent collaboration between them and other terrorist groups such as al-Shabaab.
Ambassador Shea reiterated calls for strengthening mechanisms like the UN Verification and Inspection Mechanism (UNVIM) by increasing funding for long-term planning and critical infrastructure development needed for enhanced capacity.
I thank you, Mr. President.