Thank you, Mr. President. And thank you, Special Envoy Hans Grundberg, Under-Secretary-General Tom Fletcher, and Ms. Dina El Mamoun for your briefings. I also welcome the representative of Yemen.
On May 6, President Trump announced that the United States had ceased military strikes against the Houthis. "Contrary to the characterizations and disinformation of some," it was clarified that these operations were precision strikes targeting Houthi assets like terrorist compounds. The objective was to restore freedom of navigation in the Red Sea and surrounding waterways following years of Houthi attacks.
The cessation of hostilities by the Houthis is seen as a success for the U.S. approach. "Whether strikes continue is up to the Houthis," as stated by President Trump, who noted that "the Houthis don’t want to fight anymore" due to exhaustion from losses including hundreds of fighters and leaders.
U.S. operations have disrupted infrastructure crucial for fuel imports that supported Houthi objectives. The United States will not tolerate illicit smuggling activities supporting a terrorist organization and remains committed to disrupting their revenue generation and supply chains.
Member States are reminded that providing support or resources to a U.S.-designated Foreign Terrorist Organization could violate U.S. law, with potential sanctions against individuals and entities involved.
All Member States are urged to enforce UN Security Council Resolution 2216. Iran's role in enabling Houthi attacks through various forms of support has been highlighted as unacceptable, with calls for consequences on sanctions violators.
Recent Houthi attacks against Israel underscore their threat to regional stability. The United States acknowledges Israel’s security concerns and supports its right to self-defense against groups like the Houthis backed by Iran.
Condemnation is expressed for all Houthi attacks, particularly those targeting civilians. Enhancements in UN Verification and Inspection Mechanism (UNVIM) operations are encouraged to prevent arms reaching the Houthis, with a call for financial support amounting to $11 million annually needed for effectiveness.
Member States are also asked to provide naval assets essential for intercepting unverified ships by UNVIM, allowing focus on other smuggling methods such as dhows and overland routes.
Mr. President, I thank you.