Yemen tells UN that Houthi rebels’ moves on key strait threaten global economy

Yemen’s officially recognized government has implored global leaders to intervene against the Iran-backed Houthi rebels, warning that their control over a key Red Sea strait threatens the worldwide economy. The Houthis, who have held power in Yemen’s north and capital Sanaa for over a decade, have recently taken possession of the strategic port city of Mokha and key Red Sea islands.

This expansion grants them enhanced surveillance capabilities over ships navigating the Bab el-Mandeb Strait, which facilitates approximately 12% of global trade. The rebels have imposed a blockade on Saudi shipping and have cautioned other nations against becoming involved. Nonetheless, Yemen’s Vice President, Abdullah Abdulkader al Alimi-Bawzer, cautioned the United Nations General Assembly not to rely on Houthi assurances, stressing that the situation at the strait endangers the global economy.

He emphasized that the misuse of safe navigation as a tool for coercion by the rebels jeopardizes not only Yemen but the entire global economy. Al Alimi-Bawzer further urged the international community to prevent weapons and technology from reaching the rebels, arguing that safeguarding the strait is the responsibility of all economies reliant on secure supply chains, energy security, and freedom of navigation.

Although the United Nations Security Council has imposed an embargo on arms to the Houthis and an asset freeze and travel ban on their leaders, Iran has denied arming the group. However, seized shipments have revealed Iranian weapons and components, and a 2024 U.N. report documented a significant military connection between the Houthis, Iran, and its allies.

The Houthis allegedly fired numerous ballistic missiles and drones at Saudi Arabia’s southwestern Jazan province. In response, the Saudi military intercepted six ballistic missiles targeting its Red Sea port of Yanbu and the southwestern city of Taif. Meanwhile, the humanitarian crisis in Yemen is worsening, with over 130,000 newly displaced individuals and hundreds killed.

The ongoing fighting near the crucial Red Sea shipping route and the Houthis’ blockade of Saudi Arabia, a leading oil exporter, have raised concerns among global markets. The Bab el-Mandeb Strait has become even more vital since Iran secured control of the Strait of Hormuz following U.S. and Israeli attacks in February. The Houthis initially seized Sanaa and northern Yemen in 2014, prompting Saudi Arabia to form a military coalition on behalf of the Yemeni government.

However, the conflict persisted, and a truce was only established in 2022. The fighting resurfaced after the Israel-Hamas war began the following year, leading to attacks on Red Sea shipping until a U.S. bombing campaign in 2025. Al Alimi-Bawzer expressed gratitude to Saudi Arabia and the United States, highlighting their decisive actions.

Saudi Arabia has sought additional military support from allies, but the U.S. has not renewed its military involvement. U.S. Secretary of State Marco Rubio affirmed that the U.S. will uphold its defense commitments to Saudi Arabia but has not specified the extent. Despite the Houthis' recent gains, the Saudi Foreign Minister indicated that the nation is not apprehensive about a Houthi takeover in Yemen's southern regions, asserting that the Yemeni government is capable of defending its controlled territories.