US urges Iran to stop ‘unprecedented’ weapons’ transfer to Houthis | Global News

The United States has issued a strong call to Iran to cease its transfer of a significant amount of weaponry to Yemen’s Houthi rebels, which has enabled the rebels to carry out dangerous attacks on ships in the Red Sea and beyond.

US Deputy Ambassador Robert Wood addressed the UN Security Council, emphasizing the need for collective action to hold Iran accountable for its destabilizing actions in Yemen. He highlighted the extensive evidence of Iran providing advanced weapons, such as ballistic and cruise missiles, to the Houthis in violation of UN sanctions.

The Houthi rebels have claimed that their attacks on shipping in the Red Sea and Gulf of Aden are aimed at pressuring Israel to end its conflict with Hamas in Gaza. The US Maritime Administration reported that the rebels have launched over 50 attacks on shipping, seized one vessel, and sunk another since November.

While Houthi attacks have decreased due to a US-led airstrike campaign in Yemen, UN Special Envoy Hans Grundberg warned of ongoing hostilities and provocations by the rebels. The situation in Yemen remains complex, with over 150,000 people killed and millions displaced since the conflict began in 2014.

Despite a truce in April 2022, hotspots of violence persist in Yemen. The international community is urged to support efforts towards a peaceful resolution, as the country faces severe food deprivation and a worsening cholera outbreak. The need for humanitarian aid and a political process to end the conflict is crucial to alleviate the suffering of the Yemeni people.