Iran must stop arming Houthis in Yemen, G7 says ahead of UN General Assembly

The foreign ministers of the G7 nations have expressed strong condemnation of Iran's support for the Houthis in Yemen, urging them to cease military actions and return to the political process. The escalation in fighting against Saudi-backed forces in Yemen threatens regional and global energy security. Thousands of Yemenis have fled the country as the Houthi group seized territory along the Red Sea coastline, including near the Bab al-Mandab Strait, a vital shipping route for global trade.

Yemen's government, backed by Saudi Arabia, continues to face threats from Iran-backed forces. The conflict has resulted in significant casualties, with at least six people killed in Saudi strikes on the strategic Yemeni city of Mokha. The United Nations estimates that over 120,000 Yemenis have been displaced by the surge in fighting along the Red Sea coast.

In response to the escalating situation, Prime Minister Andy Burnham announced that the UK will provide defensive air-to-air refuelling support for Saudi Arabia. The US has also issued security alerts across the Middle East in light of the intensifying conflict.