Ambassador Dorothy Shea, Chargé d'Affaires ad interim, addressed the UN Security Council on February 13, 2025, highlighting concerns over the situation in Yemen. She thanked Special Envoy Hans Grundberg and Under-Secretary-General Tom Fletcher for their briefings.
Shea emphasized that "with materiel and financial support from Iran," the Houthis have launched numerous attacks on civilian infrastructure and fired at U.S. Navy warships since 2023. Additionally, they have attacked commercial vessels indiscriminately and detained UN, diplomatic, and NGO staff.
The United States condemned the death of a World Food Programme staff member in Houthi detention. Shea stated that this incident underscores "the Iranian and Houthi threat against peace and security."
She noted Iran's ongoing provision of weapons components to the Houthis as a violation of an arms embargo imposed by the Council. Shea urged members with direct channels to Iran to press its leaders to cease arming the Houthis.
The Trump Administration has initiated a process to consider designating the Houthis as a Foreign Terrorist Organization. This step is deemed necessary due to threats posed by Houthi activities.
Shea called for international cooperation with regional partners to eliminate Houthi capabilities threatening international shipping. She stressed that "the Houthis must permanently cease all attacks in the Red Sea" and release detainees.
To counter illicit revenues sustaining Houthi attacks, targeted sanctions were suggested. Furthermore, strengthening the UN Verification and Inspection Mechanism was recommended to prevent smuggling arms to the Houthis.
"I thank you, Mr. President," concluded Ambassador Shea.