Houthi attacks on Saudi Arabia have brought Mideast conflict to 'dangerous juncture', Pakistan tells UN

UNITED NATIONS: In a statement to the UN Security Council, Pakistan warned on Tuesday that the Houthi attacks on Saudi Arabia had pushed the Middle East conflict to a "dangerous juncture." The United States and China joined in urging restraint and de-escalation as renewed fighting and assaults on the kingdom threatened to further destabilize the vital Bab al-Mandab Strait.

At an emergency Security Council meeting, Pakistan's Permanent Representative Asim Iftikhar Ahmad condemned the Houthis' military escalation and attacks against Saudi Arabia, reaffirming Pakistan's unwavering backing for the kingdom's sovereignty, territorial integrity, security, and prosperity. Pakistan called for diplomacy to match the crisis's gravity, as the relative calm maintained in Yemen since 2022 had disintegrated.

China's representative Sun Lei emphasized the need for all parties to exercise restraint and return to negotiations. The US demanded that the Houthis cease their advances, withdraw from seized territory, and stop their attacks, while accusing Iran of arming, funding, and directing the group. Saudi Arabia told the council that the Houthi escalation endangered Yemen, regional security, international trade, and global supply chains, reserving its right to defend its territory and citizens.