G7 condemns Houthi attacks on Saudi Arabia, urges Iran to cut support

The G7 nations have condemned the recent Houthi attacks on Saudi Arabia, urging Iran to cease its support for the group. The Houthis, backed by Iran, have intensified their offensive in Yemen, taking control of the entire Red Sea coast, including Mokha, a move that threatens global trade and energy prices. This development has solidified Iran and its allies' control over key waterways, including the Strait of Hormuz, which Saudi Arabia relies on for oil shipping.

In a statement, the G7 nations called on the Houthis to immediately cease all military actions and return to the political process in good faith. They also urged Iran to end its arming and support for the Houthis, alleging Tehran's violation of past UN Security Council resolutions. The conflict in Yemen, which began in 2014 with the Houthi capture of the capital Sanaa, has been largely frozen since 2022 but resumed in July.

Saudi Arabia, leading a coalition backing the internationally recognized government, has faced a renewed threat from the Houthis, including a recent attack on the Saudi capital Riyadh. In response, the UK has agreed to provide military support to Saudi Arabia through defensive air-to-air refueling for Saudi jets, while France pledged support in securing Saudi energy infrastructure targeted by Iran-backed Houthis.

The Houthis have targeted Saudi oil facilities and shut down the crucial East-West Pipeline, a key crude oil export route. Yemen's governing body head, Rashad al-Alimi, called US President Donald Trump for support against the Houthis, although Trump did not promise military aid. Saudi Crown Prince Mohammed bin Salman had also urged Trump to strike the Houthis.

The New York Times reported that Trump had previously rebuffed similar requests. The Mecca Joint Defence Agreement, signed by Pakistan, Saudi Arabia, and Turkey, commits the three nations to mutual defense in case of an attack, amid ongoing tensions between the United States and Iran and Houthi attacks from Tehran-backed forces.