G7 calls on Iran to end its support for Houthis

Seven G7 foreign ministers, representing the UK, Canada, France, Germany, Italy, Japan, and the US, have urged Iran to cease its support and arming of the Houthis in Yemen. This warning comes as the actions of the Houthis pose risks to international trade and could lead to global instability. The ministers made their appeal following a meeting on the sidelines of the UN General Assembly in New York on Monday.

The G7 group of major industrialized democracies has recently been concentrating on the broader economic and security implications of the US-Iran conflict, including potential threats to energy supplies and shipping routes.

The Houthis, an Iran-backed Yemeni movement that controls Sanaa and significant portions of northern and western Yemen, have grown into a formidable regional force following years of conflict with Saudi-backed forces. Iran has been providing the Houthis with weapons, financial support, training, and technical assistance, although Tehran denies directly directing the group's activities. Despite not being directly involved, the Houthis have become a crucial source of Iranian influence in the region.

With the US-Iran war starting in February, the Houthi control of Yemen's Red Sea coast has gained increased importance for Iran. This control provides Tehran with an additional potential lever of pressure against Gulf states and regional energy routes. In a statement issued on Monday, the G7 ministers called on the Houthis to immediately halt all military actions, threats, and attacks against civilian shipping vessels, and to resume participating in the political process in good faith.

This appeal follows a recent significant Houthi advance along Yemen's western coast, including the capture of Mokha and strategic islands, which now give the group effective control of the Bab Al Mandeb strait. This waterway has become increasingly important for Saudi energy exports, as Iran has restricted shipping through the Strait of Hormuz.

Consequently, the Bab Al Mandeb strait has emerged as a potential alternative route for Gulf oil reaching global markets.