G7 ministers demand Houthis halt attacks on Red Sea shipping

G7 foreign ministers demanded that Yemen's Houthi rebels immediately cease all military actions, threats, and attacks against maritime shipping, warning that these acts constitute a dangerous escalation threatening global commerce and economic stability. The ministers issued the statement on the sidelines of the UN General Assembly, reaffirming the need for permanent maritime security and freedom of navigation. They also called on Iran to stop supplying weapons to the Houthis, who have consolidated control over the strategic Bab el-Mandeb strait, heavily impacting Saudi oil exports. The Houthis seized Yemen's Red Sea coast in early September amid the regional conflict triggered by US-Israeli strikes on Iran. The G7 pledged continued support for Yemen's legitimate government and aims to prevent disruption to global supply chains for energy, fertilizers, and food.