The Group of Seven (G7) foreign ministers have condemned continued attacks by Yemen's Houthi movement against Saudi Arabia, calling for an immediate end to military actions and threats against civilian shipping.
The statement was issued by foreign ministers from Britain, Canada, France, Germany, Italy, Japan and the United States during an informal meeting on the sidelines of the United Nations General Assembly in New York.
Editorial Insight
Key Highlights
Important points readers should notice.
Issue/Event: G7 foreign ministers condemn Houthi attacks on Saudi Arabia.
Location: New York, United States; Saudi Arabia and Yemen.
Authority/Organisation: Group of Seven (G7).
Action Taken: G7 called for an end to Houthi attacks; Britain agreed to defensive air-to-air refuelling support.
Impact: Rising concerns over regional stability, energy infrastructure and maritime security.
The ministers called on the Houthis to return to the political process in good faith and urged Iran to end its arming and support of the group. They also raised concerns about the potential impact of the ongoing escalation on regional stability and international trade.
The latest developments come amid renewed conflict in Yemen and growing security concerns around the Red Sea and Bab el-Mandeb maritime corridor. Houthi attacks on Saudi territory have added to tensions across the wider West Asia region.
Britain has separately agreed to provide limited military assistance to Saudi Arabia following a request from Riyadh. British Prime Minister Andy Burnham said the support would include defensive air-to-air refuelling for Saudi aircraft. The arrangement is time-limited and is expected to involve an RAF Voyager aircraft.
Editorial Analysis
Why This Matters
The escalation places additional pressure on regional security and important international shipping routes. The G7 statement and defensive support commitments reflect international concern over the widening security risks.
The British government has described the support as defensive, intended to assist Saudi aircraft in responding to attacks rather than support offensive operations against Houthi targets.
France has also indicated its readiness to work on securing Saudi energy infrastructure affected by the attacks, while maintaining a strictly defensive approach.
The developments highlight growing international concern over threats to civilian infrastructure, energy supplies and maritime routes amid the escalating regional conflict.
