The situation in the Middle East - Security Council, 10174th meeting

The 10,174th meeting of the Security Council is called to order. The provisional agenda for this meeting is the situation in the Middle East. The agenda is adopted. In accordance with Rule 37 of the Council's Provisional Rules of Procedure, I invite the delegation of Yemen to participate in this meeting. It is so decided. In accordance with Rule 39 of the Council's Provisional Rules of Procedure, I invite the following briefers to participate in this meeting: Mr. Hans Grundberg, Special Envoy of the Secretary-General for Yemen; And Mr. Tom Fletcher, Under-Secretary-General for Humanitarian Affairs and Emergency Relief Coordinator. It is so decided. The Security Council will now begin its consideration of Item 2 of the agenda. I now give the floor to Mr. Hans-Gunnar Gunnberg.

Thank you, Mr. President. Mr. President, let me begin by extending my respects and good wishes to to the people of Yemen, and to Muslims across the world on the occasion of the Hijri Islamic New Year. Happy New Year. This New Year opens a hopeful note from the wider region. I want to echo the Secretary-General in welcoming the deal announced by the U.S. and Iran. For nearly 3 years, regional shockwaves have complicated prospects for the Yemeni peace process, deepening mistrust between the parties and deferring willingness for compromise. I hope that this deal marks a turning point for the region, and I will be working with the parties to encourage them to seize this moment to make progress on Yemen. So far, in military terms, the fallout for Yemen and the recent— of the recent conflict in the region has been relatively contained. Despite threats, we have not seen renewed attacks on commercial shippings in the Red Sea, and the relative calm inside Yemen since the 2022 truce has continued to hold. But Yemen's conflict is unresolved, not over. And every day, it is Yemenis who bear the cost of this uncertain status quo. In meetings with Yemenis, we're told that entrenched frontlines across the country are draining resources deepening fragmentation and accelerating the militarization of society, even driving students and teachers to join armed groups simply as a means of economic survival. The recent regional conflict has increased pressure on the Yemeni economy due to the country's import dependence and geopolitical proximity. This is raising the cost of imported fuel— food and fuel, amplifying inflationary pressures, and in recent weeks,— that have been protests in Aden and other governorates of electricity shortages amid the summer heat. The economic reforms prioritized by the Government of Yemen should help improve living conditions, strengthen public revenues, and restore confidence in public institutions. The Kingdom of Saudi Arabia's recent $150 million grant to supply fuel to power stations is also critical to to help address electricity shortages in government-held areas. Continued efforts by the Government of Yemen to enhance security and enhance— and ensure accountability for the deeply worrying recent assassination of public figures are also welcome. Such investments in security and economic stability is important to strengthen avenues for dialogue and consensus-building, including on the southern issue. Ultimately, however, The fundamental issues underlying the suffering of the Yemeni people can only be addressed sustainably through negotiations between the parties and an inclusive political process under UN auspices. I have continued to discuss the way forward with the parties, as well as with regional and international stakeholders in Riyadh, in Muscat, Amman, Brussels, as well as here in New York. And despite the challenging regional context, we have been finding entry points for dialogue and negotiations. Last month, the parties agreed to release over 1,600 conflict-related detainees after 14 weeks of negotiations in Amman, under United Nations auspices. This is the largest release operation agreed in the history of the conflict. These negotiations were exceptionally challenging and complex. Trust was low, negotiations stalled multiple times, and it required courage and compromise. Thank you. I commend the parties for their persistence to achieve this result, and I encourage them to make swift progress towards implementing the release operation with the support of the International Committee of the Red Cross. I'm particularly grateful for— to the Kingdom of Saudi Arabia for its critical role in supporting the talks, and to the Hashemite Kingdom of Jordan for hosting and supporting the negotiations. I'm also grateful to the Sultanate of Oman for hosting and supporting the previous round of talks in Muscat, which paved the way for this agreement. I also wish to commend my team, which worked with tremendous patience, expertise, and diligence over months to mediate between the parties to achieve this result. Their combination of skills, long-term dedication to this file, demonstrate the unique value of UN mediation. On the military security track, my Office recently convened two meetings within the framework of the Military Coordination Committee, the MCC, with military representatives of the Saudi-led Joint Force Command and Ansar Allah, and another with the Joint Force Command and the Government of Yemen. These meetings allowed for an exchange of views on security priorities, as well as practical ways to de-escalate and improve communication channels. Based on a commitment from all sides, my Office is planning to invite the delegations to a trilateral MCC meeting in the coming period. Finally, progress on the economic track could deliver tangible improvements in the lives of Yemenis across the country. My Office has been holding consultations and undertaking preparatory work on a wide range of economic issues that must eventually be addressed through negotiations between the parties. Mr. President, these engagements build confidence for our core objective: launching an inclusive political process to comprehensively end the conflict. That process has been postponed for far too long. Although the parties have negotiated on other files, it has been several years since they met face-to-face for political talks. We need to establish a way forward toward changing that reality, one that will require compromise and good faith engagement from both parties. Madam President— Mr. President, before closing, I must recall that 73 United Nations personnel remain arbitrarily detained by Ansar Allah, many since the wave of detentions in June 2024, 2 years ago this month, alongside staff of NGOs, civil society organizations, and diplomatic missions. The Secretary-General's recent statement underscored that these detentions violate international law, cause deep suffering to families, and constrain the United Nations' ability to assist millions of people in need. In its statement on the 6th of June, this Council condemned these detentions and demanded the unconditional, safe, and immediate release of those held. The United Nations will continue doing all it can to press for their release, their releases, and I ask this Council to continue its efforts until our colleagues are freed. Mr. President, as long as Yemen's conflict remains unsettled, the risk of further destabilization persists, both within the country and, should regional tensions flare again, well beyond it. The parties should use this window of regional de-escalation to make progress towards reviving a political process that can sustainably end the conflict in Yemen. The United Nations remains ready and committed to support them and the Yemeni people, and I ask for this Council's continued, united and sustained focus on Yemen to help influence the parties in this direction. Thank you very much.

I thank Mr. Grunberg for his briefing. I now give the floor to Mr. Tom Fletcher.

Thank you, Mr. President. And I thank the Special Envoy for his efforts to secure a political settlement in Yemen, and echo both his New Year wishes and his hopes that the U.S.-Iran ceasefire can bring much-needed respite to the region. Congratulations on the detainee release mediation. Mr. President, colleagues, Yemen's humanitarian crisis is accelerating. Hunger is rising. Our response is stretched to the limit. In just one month, the share of people unable to meet basic food needs jumped from half to nearly 60%. Those facing the most extreme deprivation rose from 1 in 4 to nearly 1 in 3. And today, more than 18 million people, over half the population, are acutely hungry. Without urgent action, this will worsen. In government-controlled areas, nearly half the population, around 5 million people, face severe hunger. More than a quarter are in emergency conditions. In Houthi-controlled areas, we lack access and therefore visibility. But a lack of data does not mean a lack of need. Yemenis may be out of sight, they must not be out of mind. Following repeated arbitrary detentions, the UN has had to assess its direct operations in these areas, but humanitarian action continues and must continue. NGOs are carrying much of this effort. They are showing extraordinary courage and commitment. I applaud their dedication and encourage you to fund them first. But we must be clear: less access, less presence, less funding means less food, less medicine, and fewer lives reached. If nothing changes, hunger will deepen, suffering will grow, more lives will be lost. Madam President, A hunger crisis is not just empty plates. It is stolen lives and futures. More than 2.2 million children under 5 are acutely malnourished. Without sustained support, many will carry lifelong consequences. This is driven by a lethal combination: conflict, economic collapse, rising prices, and lost livelihoods, compounded by an overstretched, health system. And just as needs rise, support is shrinking. Every funding cut has a human cost—a missed meal, untreated condition, a community cut off from help. Madam President, our Crisis Response Director is in Yemen now, hearing directly from communities. She met yesterday families trapped in repeated displacement. Children out of school. Disease spreading. Women and girls facing acute violence and deprivation. Livelihoods shattered by conflict, floods, and drought. Local partners are stepping up, but they cannot do more without sustained funding. The government of Yemen remains engaged and supportive of that response. Madam President, I have 3 asks. First, secure the release of detained colleagues. 73 UN staff and many others remain arbitrarily detained by the Houthi de facto authorities. These are people who chose to serve and are now held in uncertainty, often without contact from their families. Their detention is not just unjust, it directly undermines our ability to save lives. Thank you. As the Secretary-General and this Council have said, this must end immediately and unconditionally. My second ask: fund the response. The humanitarian appeal is less than 15% funded. This is forcing us to scale back operations and leave people behind, even where we can reach them. Third and finally, support peace efforts. [SPEAKING RUSSIAN] Humanitarian action can hold the line, but only just. It cannot end this crisis. Aid can keep people alive, but it cannot alone give Yemenis the future that they deserve. Only a political solution, owned by the people of Yemen and supported by this Council, can do that. Thank you.

Thank you.

I thank Mr. Fletcher for his briefing. I now give the floor to those Council members who wish to make statements. I give the floor to the representative of the United Kingdom.

Thank you, Madam President. I thank Under-Secretary-General Fletcher and Special Envoy Grunberg for your briefings, and I welcome the Permanent Representative of Yemen to today's meeting. Firstly, I would like to welcome the Special Envoy's announcement of agreement to release detainees related to the conflict. We commend the efforts of the UN, the ICRC, and Saudi Arabia to secure this, and express our thanks to Jordan and Oman for their support. The United Kingdom urges all parties to ensure the full and timely implementation of the agreement and to build further on this positive momentum. We reiterate our condemnation of Houthi detentions of staff from the UN, non-governmental organizations, civil society, and diplomatic missions. We remain deeply concerned for the welfare of those held, some of whom have now— who have now been separated from their families for over 2 years. Earlier this month, Security Council members reaffirmed our demand for the unconditional, safe, and immediate release of those detainees, including 73 UN personnel. Council members also reiterated that humanitarian personnel must be able to operate safely in line with international humanitarian law. Threats to those delivering humanitarian assistance are unacceptable and have resulted in the pause of lifesaving programs, worsening the dire situation for millions of Yemenis in need. The UK welcomes continued efforts across the United Nations and through all possible channels to secure their immediate immediate and unconditional release. Second, we remain deeply concerned by food insecurity in Yemen and have heard powerful further information on this today from Under-Secretary-General Fletcher. Over 18 million Yemenis, nearly half the population, are already food insecure, with many forced to resort to extreme coping strategies such as selling their house, or land to meet basic food needs. Integrated Food Security Phase Classification analysis projects a further decline over the coming months. Last year, the United Kingdom provided over $190 million towards the humanitarian response in Yemen, and we remain committed to supporting these efforts and working collectively with partners to reach those most in need. Third, despite the challenging regional context, we must maintain international attention on the pursuit of stability and security for Yemen. The Government of Yemen has made significant progress since February, including with the support of Saudi Arabia, whose provision of fuel derivatives came at a critical moment. The UK will continue our strong support for President al-Alimi and Prime Minister Zindani as the government pursues important reforms and works towards a new national development plan for Yemen. I thank you.

I thank the representative of the United Kingdom for that statement. I now give the floor to Latvia.

Thank you, Madam President. First, I would like to thank Special Envoy Grunberg and Under-Secretary-General Tom Fletcher for their informative briefings, and I also welcome the participation of the Permanent Representative of Yemen to today's meeting. In light of today's briefings and the developments on the ground since our last briefing, I'll make the following points. First, Looking at last week, we condemned the Houthis' recent re-engagement in the regional hostilities and renewed threats against international shipping in the Red Sea. Latvia calls for an immediate end to all threats of escalation, including actions that jeopardize freedom of navigation and the security of key maritime supply routes. In this regard, the reported diplomatic breakthrough reached between U.S. and Iran is a positive development, and we hope that this will contribute to a wider regional de-escalation and deter the Houthis from their destabilizing activities. Second, I would like to welcome the long-awaited U.N.-facilitated release of detainees last month. And we commend the efforts of Special Envoy Grünberg, the ICRC, and the mediating countries— Jordan, Oman, and Saudi Arabia— that facilitated the release of over 1,600 detainees. This brings relief and represents an important confidence-building measure. We encourage the parties to capitalize on this positive development and continue efforts towards additional releases consistent with their obligations under the Stockholm Agreement. Meanwhile, this month marks 2 years since the Houthis launched mass detentions targeting personnel from the United Nations, NGOs, civil society organizations, and diplomatic missions. Latvia condemns the continued arbitrary detention of these individuals. And we once again call on the Houthis to immediately and unconditionally release all detained UN humanitarian, civil society, and diplomatic personnel. The report by the Secretary-General notes the widespread conflict-related sexual violence, violence in Houthi-controlled areas. We condemn the use of CRSV against women and men in arbitrary detention to demoralize, torture, and punish detainees. Thank you. These crimes must cease immediately, and unimpeded access to detention facilities must be ensured, and perpetrators must be held accountable. Third, we're deeply troubled by the worsening humanitarian situation and growing needs of the Yemeni population, as we just heard in the sober briefing by USG Fletcher. The recent statement by the World Food Programme Food and Agriculture Organization and UNICEF is also warning of deepening acute food insecurity, rising malnutrition risks, and increasing threats to livelihoods through 2026 in government-controlled areas. Further international financing is indeed needed to bridge funding gaps and sustain life-saving assistance, in addition to the continued contributions of donors. Such as the European Union. Moreover, humanitarian actors must be able to operate safely, independently, and without impediments. And we call on all parties to facilitate safe, rapid, and unimpeded humanitarian access throughout Yemen. In this context, we are also alarmed by recent escalation in the Houthi rhetoric against humanitarian and international organizations operating in their controlled areas. Such rhetoric risks further undermining the operating environment and forcing organizations to scale back assistance to millions of Yemenis, which includes essential services for women and girls. Madam President, as Yemen marked Unity Day on 22nd of May, I would like to reaffirm Latvia's support to unity, sovereignty, independence, and territorial integrity of Yemen. And we encourage a comprehensive and inclusive UN-led political process with full, equal, and meaningful participation of women and all relevant stakeholders, and reiterate our strong support for the efforts of Special Envoy Greenberg. It also remains important to advance towards a sustained and inclusive dialogue in the south of Yemen. And referring to the developments described by Special Envoy Greenberg, We call on all Yemeni parties to seize this momentum towards a negotiated political settlement, de-escalate, and focus on urgent domestic priorities, including on ways to improve security and living conditions for Yemenis. I thank you.

Doei la graa siaan.

I thank the delegate of Latvia. I thank her for her statement. I now give the floor to Bahrain, the delegate of Bahrain. You have the floor.

Madam President, I would like to thank Mr. Hans-Grandberg, Special Envoy of the Secretary-General for Yemen, and Mr. Tom Fletcher, Under-Secretary-General for Humanitarian Affairs and Emergency Relief Coordinator for their valuable briefings. I would also like to welcome the participation of the Permanent Representative of the sisterly Republic of Yemen, His Excellency Ambassador Abdullah Sadi. I would also like to extend my sincere condolences and sympathy to the sisterly Republic of Yemen leadership and people on the passing of former President Abdurrahman Mansur Hadi. May he rest in peace. He played a prominent national role serving Yemen during a critical and pivotal period in its history. We pray that Almighty God grants him his vast mercy and forgiveness. Madam President, I would like to address 3 points. First, the expansion of the confrontation in the region through opening additional fronts by Iran's proxies, including in Yemen, and the Bab-el-Mandeb Strait is unacceptable and condemnable. It constitutes a serious threat to regional and international peace and security. In this vein, we warn against dragging Yemen into military adventures that serve only external agendas. This runs counter to the interests of the brotherly Yemeni people and their aspirations for security, stability, and peace. It would only expose them to further humanitarian and economic risks. We call for an end to threats against the security and safety of maritime navigation in the Red Sea and the Bab-el-Mandeb Strait, and for refraining from targeting regional states with missiles and drones. Second, the 6th of June marked 2 years since the arbitrary detentions carried out by the Houthis against dozens of UN personnel, staff of NGOs, and members of diplomatic missions. They continue to suffer along with their families who remain unaware of the conditions of those detained or their fate. As we join the members of this esteemed Council strongly condemning such detentions, we express our deep concern regarding the situation of the detainees. We reiterate our call for their immediate, safe, and unconditional release, as reflected in the Security Council's press statement issued on the 5th of June on the said matter. We further stress that targeting UN personnel and humanitarian and relief workers undermines efforts aimed at alleviating the suffering of the Yemeni people. It contributes to worsening the humanitarian situation. In this context, we stress the need to have a safe, secure, and unhindered operating environment for the UN and other humanitarian organizations. This would enable them to carry out their humanitarian work without intimidation, interference, or restrictions. Third, my country commends the efforts of the Special Envoy of the Secretary-General for Yemen, Mr. Hans Grundberg, which led to the agreement announced on the 14th of May to release approximately 1,700 conflict-related detainees. This represents one of the most significant achievements resulting from mediation efforts in Yemen over the past years. It is also the product of many months of diligent and sustained work. My country also expresses its appreciation to the brotherly Kingdom of Saudi Arabia and the International Committee of the Red Cross for their valuable effort in supporting such process. We extend our thanks to the Hashemite Kingdom of Jordan for hosting these talks. Thank you. They have also provided the appropriate environment for their success. The Kingdom of Bahrain encourages to build upon the progress achieved through that agreement signed in the Jordanian capital, Amman. We must work towards a comprehensive and sustainable agreement to end the conflict in brotherly Yemen in a manner that upholds its sovereignty, unity, territorial integrity, and independence. Thank you. Thank you, Madam President.

I thank the delegate of Bahrain for that statement. I now give the floor to the delegation of Somalia.

President, I have the honor to deliver this statement on behalf of the A3, namely the Democratic Republic of the Congo, Liberia, and my own country, Somalia. We thank Special Envoy Gromberg and USG Fletcher for their comprehensive briefing. We also welcome the participation of the Permanent Representative of Yemen in this meeting. President, the A3 remains deeply concerned by the continued fragility of the situation in Yemen. Which remains characterized by political uncertainty, economic challenges, humanitarian distress, and persistent regional security risks. While large-scale hostilities have largely remained contained, the situation on the ground remains fragile and requires continued restraint from all parties. Recent developments demonstrate the importance of sustained efforts to preserve calm and prevent any actions that could lead to renewed escalation. The A3 expresses its support for the efforts of the Special Envoy and for the United Nations-led mediation process aimed at achieving a comprehensive, inclusive, and sustainable political settlement. We reiterate that a lasting solution to the conflict can be only achieved through an inclusive, Yemeni-led, and Yemeni-owned political process that addresses the aspirations of all Yemenis while preserving the sovereignty, unity, territorial integrity, and political independence of Yemen. Thank The you. A3 welcomes all efforts aimed at reducing tensions and fostering dialogue among Yemeni stakeholders. Political cohesion among Yemeni actors remains essential. Internal divisions and unilateral measures risk further complicating efforts toward a negotiated settlement and may undermine progress achieved through dialogue. We therefore call on all parties to demonstrate flexibility, responsibility, and commitment to peaceful engagement, placing the interests of the Yemeni people above political consideration. President, the humanitarian situation in Yemen remains among the most severe in the world. Millions of Yemenis continue to depend on humanitarian assistance and protection services. While funding constraints continue to place significant pressure on humanitarian operations. The A3 expresses its appreciation to OCHA, other UN agencies, and humanitarian partners for their continued efforts under exceptionally challenging circumstances. Their work remains indispensable in alleviating the suffering of millions of vulnerable Yemenis. We remain concerned by the continued gap between humanitarian needs and available resources. We therefore call on the international community to maintain and, where possible, increase support for humanitarian operations in Yemen and to ensure timely, flexible, and predictable funding. The A3 also reiterates stressed the importance of ensuring safe, rapid, and unhindered humanitarian access throughout Yemen in accordance with international humanitarian law and humanitarian principles. President, the A3 remains deeply concerned by the continued detention of United Nations personnel, humanitarian workers, NGO staff, civil society representatives, and personnel associated with diplomatic missions by the Houthis. This month marks 2 years since the initial wave of mass detentions that affected personnel working in support of humanitarian, development, and diplomatic efforts across Yemen. In this context, the A3 welcomes the recent UN-brokered agreement to release over 1,600 conflict-related detainees as a positive step forward. Building on this momentum, the A3 reiterates its call for the immediate, unconditional, and safe release of all detained personnel and urges all those with influence to continue engaging constructively toward a swift resolution of this matter. We further stress the importance of ensuring that United Nations personnel and humanitarian workers can carry out their mandates safely, independently, and without intimidation or interference. In closing, President—

Thank you.

The A3 underscores that the path towards lasting peace lies through dialogue, compromise, and sustained political engagement. The Security Council must remain united in supporting efforts that advance peace, stability, humanitarian access, and a negotiated settlement that meets the legitimate aspirations of the Yemeni people. I thank you.

Doi la graziæ.

I thank the delegation of Somalia for that statement. I now give the floor to the delegate of Pakistan.

Thank you, Madam President. We would also like to thank Special Envoy Hans Grundberg and Under-Secretary-General Tom Fletcher for their comprehensive briefings, and I would like to note in particular a point that both of them made that was about the primacy of a political solution to address the security, humanitarian, and other challenges facing Yemen. And I would also like to welcome the participation of the distinguished Permanent Representative of Yemen in today's meeting. Madam President, Yemen is a country of remarkable historical significance. Situated at the crossroads of vital maritime routes, it has long served as a bridge between regions, civilizations, and markets. Above all, Yemen's greatest asset remains its resilient people. Who have endured years of conflict and hardship with remarkable courage and perseverance. Today, Yemen stands at a critical juncture. Significant political, economic, and humanitarian challenges still persist. The important positive developments and the relative calm that has largely prevailed in recent months, including the absence of major hostilities across fronts within the country and no attacks on commercial shipping, demonstrate that de-escalation is achievable and that a negotiated settlement is possible. I would like to make 3 points in this context. First, The political process must move forward with renewed urgency and determination. A comprehensive, inclusive, and sustainable settlement can only emerge through a UN-facilitated, Yemeni-led, and Yemeni-owned political process that addresses the legitimate aspirations and concerns of all Yemenis. Efforts to strengthen political cohesion and advance dialogue among all relevant stakeholders should continue. The Presidential Leadership Council remains the internationally recognized government of Yemen. In the south, the proposed south dialogue by Saudi Arabia represents a timely and constructive initiative that can contribute positively to these efforts. Secondly, we commend the sustained efforts of the United Nations, particularly those of the Special Envoy, for consistently engaging with all regional and local stakeholders and preserving political space for dialogue under challenging circumstances. The fact that Yemen has not relapsed into large-scale hostilities despite numerous challenges is itself significant. [SPEAKING MALAYSIAN] A clear manifestation of these efforts has been the recent agreement on the exchange of approximately 1,600 detainees and prisoners, the largest such exchange since the conflict began. This important confidence-building measure demonstrates that meaningful progress is possible when dialogue and diplomacy prevail. We also call for the unconditional release of all UN and INGO personnel held in illegal detention by the Houthis. Third, the humanitarian and economic situation remains deeply concerning, as we have just heard this morning. Millions of Yemenis continue to rely on humanitarian assistance, while funding shortfalls, economic difficulties, and declining public services further exacerbate vulnerabilities. Enhance international support support is required to sustain humanitarian operations and strengthen economic stability, particularly at this critical stage. Madam President, recent developments in the region have underscored both the dangers of escalation and the value of diplomacy. The peace deal reached between the United States and Iran presents a welcome opportunity to reduce tensions and advance regional stability. Pakistan has played a constructive role in facilitating dialogue and mediation efforts, guided by our longstanding commitment to dialogue, diplomacy, and peaceful settlement of disputes. We hope that this positive momentum will reverberate across the region and contribute to a more conducive environment for peace and renewed political engagement in Yemen. Allowing its people to reap the dividends of stability and development. The Security Council, on its part, must continue to play a constructive and united role to achieve our shared objective, that is, a peaceful, stable, and prosperous Yemen for all its people. I thank you.

I thank the delegation of Pakistan for that statement. I now give the floor to the delegate of Denmark.

Madam President, let me also thank Special Envoy Grunberg and Under-Secretary General Fletcher for their briefings. I also welcome the participation of the Permanent Representative of Yemen in our meeting today. We welcome the announcement that the U.S. and Iran have reached an agreement. It is important that it's now implemented so that regional stability can be restored and the Strait of Hormuz reopened. At a time of uncertainty across the Middle East, we strongly urge the Houthis to refrain from dragging Yemen into the broader conflict. We condemn the recent attacks by the Houthis against Israel, as well as their threats to resume attacks on ships in the Red Sea and impose a naval blockade. Madam President, Denmark welcomes the recent agreement between the government of Yemen and the Houthis to release over 1,600 conflict-related detainees. And we commend the efforts of Special Envoy Grünberg and his office, as well as the ICRC, in facilitating this agreement between the parties. This agreement demonstrates that even amid deep mistrust and prolonged conflict, results are possible when dialogue and diplomacy are pursued. We call on the parties to move swiftly towards implementing the deal so that families can be reunited as soon as possible. Madam President, as we are marking the second anniversary of the mass wave of detentions by the Houthis in June 2024, we hope that this deal can serve as a necessary trust-building measure to help advance the release of UN and other colleagues who remain arbitrarily detained. Once again, let me reiterate our strongest condemnation of these ongoing tensions, which have continued for far too long and clearly violate international law. Denmark demands that the Houthis immediately and unconditionally release all detained personnel from the U.N., NGOs, civil society, and diplomatic missions. Madam President, Yemen remains highly exposed to the economic repercussions of the current regional escalation, —with the most vulnerable population bearing the burden of rising prices, import disruptions, and declining remittances. In the absence of a political solution, the humanitarian situation continues to deteriorate and the number of people in need of acute aid continues to rise, as highlighted by USG Fletcher today. Furthermore, the detentions impede the work of the UN and the delivery of life-saving humanitarian aid to the Yemeni population in desperate need. We need to reverse this trend. In closing, we call on the Government of Yemen and the Houthis to build on the positive momentum generated from the prisoner exchange agreement and to engage constructively with the Special Envoy towards an inclusive political settlement and a lasting peace in Yemen. Thank you. In Yemen. I thank you.

I thank the delegate of Denmark for that statement. I now give the floor to the delegate of France.

Madame President, I first wish to thank the Secretary-General's Special Envoy for Yemen, Mr. Grunberg, and the U.S. Chief of Humanitarian Affairs and Emergency Relief Coordinator, Tom Fletcher. I thank both for their briefings. I also wish to welcome the Permanent Representative of Yemen. Madame President, first of all, I wish to state that France condemns the firing of Houthi missiles towards Israel and Saudi Arabia. We also condemn the threats that these missiles once again bring to bear on navigation in the Red Sea. These acts must cease immediately. The stability of the region and the global economy depends on it. France here recalls the need to preserve maritime security and the freedom of navigation. France will continue its engagement with the defensive operation under the umbrella of the EU Security and Defence Policy, EU NAVIFOR ASPIDES, in full compliance with international law. This operation is strictly defensive in nature and is conducted in line with European and international partners. My second point: France demands the immediate and unconditional release of all UN personnel, workers from NGOs, and from Diplomatic missions that have been arbitrarily detained by the Houthis. The Security Council once again reiterated its staunch condemnation of these detentions and its appeal for the release of those detained. Attacks against humanitarian personnel are unacceptable, and Resolution 2730 of this Council must be fully upheld. These acts impede the delivery of humanitarian assistance, that the Yemeni people so desperately need at a time when the situation continues to worsen. Children and women pay the highest price. My third point: France reaffirms its commitment to the unity, sovereignty, and territorial integrity of Yemen. We support the government's efforts to consolidate Yemeni state authority. The government must be able to work towards the stabilization of the country and to meet the fundamental needs of the Yemeni people. France will continue to work to support the legitimate authorities for the benefit of the Yemeni people. My final point, France reaffirms its full support for the work of the Secretary-General's Special Envoy. The recent prisoner release agreement announced on the 14th of May is a step in the right direction. Only an inclusive political process led under the aegis of the United Nations will allow ultimately the establishment of a lasting peace in Yemen. President Yemen needs stability to rebuild. Weapons and intimidation are not how we will get there. The Houthis must cease to fuel regional instability and finally act in the interest of the Yemeni people. I thank you.

I thank France for that statement. And I now give the floor to the Russian Federation.

Thank you, Madam President. We're also grateful to the Secretary General's Special Envoy for Yemen, Mr. Hans Grundberg, and the Under-Secretary General for Humanitarian Affairs, Mr. Tom Pletcher. We thank them for their briefings, and we welcome the participation of the Permanent Representative of Yemen in our meeting. At the moment, the military and political situation in Yemen is relatively Large-scale military activity on the line of contact between the parties, as well as active movements of the armed forces, are not being recorded. And we express the hope that the parties will continue to exercise restraint and prevent the erosion of security. We were encouraged by the agreement on a large-scale exchange of detainees between the Yemeni parties, which was reached in early May with the assistance of Special Envoy Grünberg, the International Committee of the Red Cross, Saudi Arabia, Oman, and Jordan. This decision was a demonstration of the possibility of maintaining a constructive dialogue and of the readiness of the Yemenis to find solutions, including of a humanitarian nature. And we hope that work in this area will continue.

Thank you.

We see Yemen as a united sovereign state with territorial integrity. We firmly believe that the Yemeni people are able to independently determine their fate and their future. Only an inclusive intra-Yemeni dialogue under the auspices of the UN, covering the full range of political forces in their country, including the Ansar Allah movement, can lay the foundation for lasting peace. Nor should we support the established balance of power, which has objectively been established. We support Mr. Grunberg's efforts to form such a negotiating configuration, and we are ready to assist in this. A good foundation for this goal is, for us, the draft roadmap for Yemeni settlement, consultations on which were recently resumed amongst the interested parties. However, it is impossible to discuss the Yemeni issue in isolation from the current regional situation. And the latest round of turbulence in the Middle East was provoked by the aggressive steps of the United States and Israel against Iran, as well as the hostile actions of West Jerusalem against Lebanon, which continue to this day. Should we— be surprised that this situation leads to predictable reactions on the part of those who feel for Iran. According to Secretary General Rovan's report, no incidents have been recorded since September 29th last year, however. And in this context, we welcome the understandings between Washington and Tehran announced yesterday Today, and we hope that this positive note will mark the end of the current upsurge in violence, and all of the forces involved in the confrontation, including Israel, will adhere to the course of de-escalation. And this, in turn, will have a beneficial effect on all of the hotspots in the region, including Yemen. This is the situation that must be used to revive the Yemeni settlement process. It is our position that the solution to all of the interrelated conflict in the Middle East by force is impossible, and the escalation of military violence could lead to the scaling up of the conflict. Peace can only be achieved through dialogue and negotiations. Madam President, the humanitarian situation in Yemen remains catastrophic. According to the latest figures, 22.3 million Yemenis are in need of some form of humanitarian assistance, and about 5 million people are severely food insecure. About 40% of medical facilities have stopped working or are experiencing serious difficulties, and this is happening in the context of the raging measles and cholera epidemics in the country. There is also an acute problem having to do with the underfunding of the humanitarian plan in Yemen. When it comes to the issue of the detention of the local UN humanitarians and other UN representatives, well, we think that when these things are being worked on, the quiet diplomacy mechanism needs to be given priority. It's important to conduct a dialogue with Ansar Allah step by step, creating conditions for its resolution. Increasing public pressure on the Houthi leadership may have the opposite effect. Provoking it to toughen its line vis-à-vis the detainees. We note that eventually there will be a need to resume UN humanitarian operations in the northern regions of Yemen. It is the presence of the UN staff that is a true guarantee that millions of people living there will receive help. And we call on all involved forces on the ground to provide adequate working conditions for UN personnel and not to create artificial obstacles. Our country traditionally opposes a broad interpretation of the provisions of relevant UN Security Council resolutions, including sanctions resolutions, and we expect that the panel of experts of the Yemeni UN Security Council Committee 2040 to take a balanced, impartial, and objective approach when preparing their reports. including thematic ones. They should be based on reliable information and contain a high-quality analysis of it without going beyond the scopes of the provisions of the sanctions regime. I thank you for your attention.

I thank the Russian Federation for that statement. I now give the floor to the delegate of the United States.

Thank you, Madam President, and thank you to our briefers this morning. On June 8th, the Houthis launched missile attacks against Israel and declared a ban on Israeli maritime navigation in the Red Sea. The United States condemns these attacks. The Houthis are a terrorist proxy used to undermine stability and freedom of navigation in the region. The Council must continue to be vigilant against the Houthi terrorist threat to freedom of navigation in the Red Sea and the surrounding waterways. The United States looks forward to working with Greece and other Security Council members in July to extend the reporting request in UN Security Council Resolution 2812 for an additional 6 months. The Houthis have also contributed to the dire humanitarian situation in Yemen. They obstruct and divert humanitarian assistance and pursue predatory policies for their own enrichment that drive millions of Yemenis into poverty. The Houthis continue to unjustly detain over 90 UN staff members civil society organizations, diplomatic missions, as well as those from the U.S. mission. Some of them face the prospect of death sentences handed down by sham courts. We condemn these detentions and call on the Houthis to immediately and unconditionally release all of these detainees. The Houthis must be deprived of the resources used for their terrorist activities. [FOREIGN LANGUAGE] We highlight the importance of the UN verification and inspection mechanism. All ships bound for Houthi-controlled ports should comply with these procedures. They were designed to ensure that delivery of humanitarian shipments does not undermine the implementation of the UN embargo adopted in the Security Council Resolution 2216. According to the UN verification and inspection mechanism for Yemen, More than 70% of the prohibited and restricted dual-use items seized between January 2025 and April 2026 originated in China. Failure to cooperate with UN VIM inspection suggests an attempt to evade UN sanctions. Thank you.

[SPEAKING CHINESE] I thank the United States for that statement. I now give the floor to Greece.

Madam President, I would like to thank Special Envoy Hans Grudenberg and Under-Secretary-General Tom Fletcher for the briefings and their committed dedication. And I welcome the participation of the Permanent Representative of Yemen in this meeting. Today, I would like to raise the following points. Greece welcomes the announcement of the release of conflict-related detainees, the largest release agreed since the start of the conflict, which was achieved through sustained and dedicated consultations under the auspices of the United Nations. We commend the continued engagement of Special Envoy Hans Grundberg and the International Committee of the Red Cross, and express our gratitude to Saudi Arab— Saudi Arabia, Jordan, Oman, and Switzerland for facilitating these consultations. Beyond mitigating the suffering of detainees and their families, such measures can help build confidence among the parties and contribute to creating a more conducive environment for dialogue.

Thank you.

We strongly encourage that these efforts continue in accordance with international humanitarian law. We express our full support for the Special Envoy's efforts to revitalize the peace process toward a lasting political solution to the conflict through an inclusive, Yemeni-led, and Yemeni-owned process under the auspices of the UN, in full respect to Yemen's unity, sovereignty, independence, and territorial integrity. Madam President, 2 years have passed since 2024 arbitrary detentions by the Houthis of numerous personnel from the United Nations, non-governmental organizations, civil society organizations, and diplomatic missions. The Security Council has reiterated its strong condemnation of these illegal detentions in a statement adopted on June 5th. We reaffirm our call for the immediate and unconditional release of all those arbitrarily detained by the Houthis, including the 73 UN staff members. All humanitarian personnel must be granted safe, sustained, and unimpeded access to those in need, together with the necessary security guarantees to carry out their work in accordance with international law, including international humanitarian law. We remain deeply concerned by the worsening food insecurity in Yemen, which continues to affect millions and further exacerbates an already severe humanitarian situation. Urgent and sustained international support is required to address critical funding caps, ensure the uninterrupted delivery of life-saving assistance, and prevent further deterioration of the situation. Madam President, Greece unequivocally condemns the recent missile attack carried out by the Houthis against Israel and underscores the need to refrain from actions that could draw Yemen deeper into a regional crisis. And jeopardize ongoing efforts to advance peace, stability, and a sustainable political settlement. Furthermore, we condemn in the strongest terms the recent Houthis' announcement for resumption of attacks against the international shipping in the Red Sea region. Such threats are deeply alarming and evoke the dangerous pattern of attacks witnessed last year. These actions endanger freedom of navigation, threaten international maritime security, and risk further destabilizing the Red Sea region at a time when the international community is focusing on regional de-escalation, long-term security, and the reopening of the Strait of Hormuz. Any acts that threaten freedom of navigation are unacceptable and undermine the regional but also the international stability, security, and prosperity. International maritime waterways and shipping routes must be safeguarded to ensure the open, safe, and uninterrupted passage of commercial shipping, which remains vital to global trade, energy security, and economic development. Greece remains steadfastly committed in raising the importance of maritime security.— and jointly with the United States as co-beneficiary supports the extension of the Secretary-General's monthly reporting requirement on Houthi attacks in the Red Sea, as envisioned by Resolution 2812, for a further 6-month period. Finally, we continue our dedicated efforts in safeguarding freedom of navigation in the Red Sea region by actively supporting EU naval operations as be this within its defensive mandate and in accordance with international law. I thank you.

I thank Greece for that statement. I now give the floor to the delegate of China.

President, I thank Special Envoy Grundberg and Under Secretary General Fletcher for their briefings, and welcome the presence of the Permanent Representative of Yemen at this meeting. The situation in Yemen is closely linked to that in the Middle East. China welcomes the agreement reached between the U.S. and Iran on the first phase of the Memorandum of Understanding and appreciates Pakistan's mediation efforts. China hopes that the U.S. and Iran will sign the first-phase MOU as scheduled, and that all relevant parties will remain committed to the choice of peace and resolve issues through dialogue and negotiations. I'll make 4 points. First, the peace process must not be abandoned. Recently, the Yemeni government and the Houthis reached an agreement on the large-scale prisoner exchange. China welcomes this development and commends the efforts of Special Envoy Grundberg, the ICRC, and countries such as Saudi Arabia, Jordan, and Oman towards this end. The agreement sends a positive signal that peace in Yemen remains attainable. China supports Yemen in maintaining its independence, sovereignty, and territorial integrity. We look forward to and support the full and faithful implementation of the agreement by both sides to gradually build trust towards the resumption of the Yemeni peace process. We support regional countries in their constructive role in this endeavor to help Yemen find a comprehensive solution aimed at the early restoration of peace and stability. Second, security and stability must be upheld. Military clashes between the Yemeni government and the Houthis in Marib, Hodeida, and other governorates highlight the fragility Regarding the stability of the situation in Yemen, China expresses serious concern and calls on— calls for calm and restraint on both sides to avoid actions that would escalate tensions or undermine mutual trust. The Office of the Special Envoy should effectively fulfill its mandate on ceasefire monitoring, engage with both parties to the conflict, and prevent further clashes. Ensuring the security of shipping lanes in the Red Sea The Red Sea is a shared responsibility. The rights of commercial vessels of all countries under international law to navigation in those waters must be fully respected. No party should hype up tensions or take provocative actions on the Red Sea issue. Third, the humanitarian situation must be reversed. Yemen faces one of the most dire humanitarian situations Recently, OCHA and the World Bank, along with several organizations, successively released reports on Yemen forewarning continued economic contraction and worsening humanitarian conditions among a plethora of challenges facing Yemen. Currently, 18.3 million people in Yemen are experiencing acute food insecurity, which is particularly alarming. China knows that the World Bank has approved a new round of assistance for Yemen and calls on the international community to provide more emergency humanitarian aid to effectively improve the Yemenis' livelihood and prevent a large-scale crisis. Fourth, humanitarian red lines must not be crossed. The protection of UN personnel is a basic requirement under the international humanitarian law and a To the wide consensus of the international community, 73 UN personnel remain detained, which has had a serious negative impact on humanitarian operations of relevant UN agencies in Yemen. China expresses deep concern, supports UN efforts to secure their release, and calls on the Houthis to release them immediately and unconditionally.

Thank you.

China has consistently and strictly complied with and implemented Security Council resolutions. It has always been prudent and responsible in arms control, exercising rigorous control in accordance with its domestic export control laws and regulations, and as well as its international obligations. The accusations made by the U.S. against China just now are entirely unfounded. China firmly opposes. China will work with the rest of the international community with unremitting efforts toward an early political settlement of the Yemen issue and the restoration of peace and stability in the Middle East. I thank you, President.

I thank— Thank you, the delegate of China, for that statement. I now give the floor to the representative of Panama.

Thank you, Madam President. We thank the Special Envoy of the Secretary-General for Yemen, Mr. Hans Grundberg, and the Under-Secretary-General for Humanitarian Affairs and Emergency Relief Coordinator, Tom Fletcher, for their invaluable briefings. We recognize their unstinting work to serve Yemen. We also warmly welcome the distinguished representative of Yemen. The humanitarian situation in Yemen remains a source of alarm, and it is worsened by the way in which violent conflicts are unfolding in the region. More than 22.3 million people people require humanitarian assistance. That is the reflection of a crisis which, after more than a decade of conflict, continues to gravely affect the civilian population. Whilst the prospects of a political solution remain limited, there is a risk that one of the most serious humanitarian crises affecting the world will move Far down the list of the international community's priorities, women, girls, and boys are facing growing obstacles to access food, medical care, and education. At the same time, they are at the risk of forced displacement and face manifold risks to their safety and well-being. As such, it is vital to increase the coordination of work between this Council and the international community. Support for the work of OCHA and for the protection of its staff, as well as the protection of humanitarian personnel, must increase in order to guarantee an effective response and safe, rapid, and unfettered access to those most in need of assistance. President, it is a source of great regret to note that in spite of the grave nature of the humanitarian situation and in spite of the picture painted in this room, operational constraints exist— in Yemen as a result of the Houthis' actions. These actions include the seizure of United Nations assets and the arbitrary and protracted detention of the organization's personnel, as well as of staff serving non-governmental organizations, members of civil society, and representatives of the diplomatic corps. Consequently, we reiterate our appeal for the immediate and unconditional release of all arbitrarily detained people. Moreover, we here express our full support for the work of the Special Envoy, and we welcome the agreement that will allow the release of more than 1,600 conflict-related detainees. We recognize here the fundamental role played by the United Nations, as well as the International Committee of the Red Cross and the Hashemite Kingdom of Jordan, in facilitating this achievement. This milestone demonstrates the potential of dialogue dialogue in terms of building trust and paving the way for a sustainable political solution, even in a bitterly difficult context. This result lays bare the fact that mediation, with the participation of the United Nations, can produce tangible results on the ground. It is now incumbent upon this Council to maintain its commitment to Yemen and to continue to support the political and humanitarian efforts necessary to achieve a lasting peace and to meet the legitimate aspirations of Yemen's people. Thank you.

Doy las gracias. I thank the delegate of Panama for that statement. I will now make a statement in my capacity as representative of Colombia.

I thank Special Envoy Grundberg and the representative of OCHA for the briefings issued. I also welcome the Permanent Representative of Yemen to the chamber. Colombia hails the agreement reached between the parties on the 14th of May, 2026, under the aegis of the United Nations, an agreement for the release of more than 1,600 conflict-related detainees in Yemen. That is the largest prisoner swap achieved since the onset of the crisis. This result was the result of 14 weeks of intense negotiations in Amman. It brings palpable relief to thousands of Yemeni families that have waited years for the return of their loved ones. This step forward points to the value of sustained dialogue, including in bitterly difficult regional contexts. It stands as an important confidence-building measure, one which could revitalize help to revitalize the political process. With this in mind, we encourage the parties to build on this momentum and to make headway with the full implementation of the agreement, in line with commitments made in 2018 within the framework of the Stockholm Agreement.

Thank you.

In view of the foregoing, Colombia underscores the urgent need to guarantee the release of all those detained, including UN personnel, whose detention is incompatible with international law and hampers the humanitarian response on the ground. Moreover, we reiterate the appeal to the parties to adopt tangible measures liable to build confidence facilitate humanitarian access, and create conditions ripe for an inclusive peace process for the benefit of the Yemeni people. Against that backdrop, Colombia reiterates its grave concern at the dire humanitarian situation in Yemen, where more than two-thirds of the population requires assistance and protection owing to the rapid deterioration of living conditions, marked economic instability, growing food insecurity, and the collapse of essential services. Persistently high levels of hunger and the increase in malnutrition that is affecting millions of people alongside ever-shrinking access to basic services such as health, water, and sanitation confirm that the crisis continues to intensify and that we risk seeing long-term consequences therefrom. To conclude, Colombia emphasizes the urgent need to guarantee sustained humanitarian access, to bolster the financing of humanitarian assistance, and to make headway with solutions which broach the structural causes of the crisis with a view to easing the suffering of Yemen's people. Thank you. I resume my function as President of the Council. I now give the floor to the representative of Yemen.

At the outset, allow me to congratulate you, Madam President, on presiding over the Security Council for this month. And allow me also to thank and congratulate the Permanent Representative of China for conducting the work of the Council last month. And I thank Mr. Grunberg and Mr. Fletcher for their briefing. Just a few days ago marked 2 years since the arbitrary detention carried out by the Houthi militias backed by the Iranian regime of dozens of staff members from the United Nations, international organizations, diplomatic missions, and civil society. This is an unprecedented violation of international humanitarian law since the inception of the Council. While reiterating its full solidarity with the humanitarian and human rights communities, The government of Yemen stands ready to do whatever it takes to secure the release of all those detained and forcibly disappeared in Houthi militia prisons. We call upon this council to maintain pressure until they are released unconditionally. This occasion reminds us not only of the suffering of these innocent individuals, but also of a fundamental truth that must not be overlooked in any discussion regarding Yemen, namely that the very group detaining UN staff for carrying out their humanitarian work is the same militia with whom the international community has long urged us to negotiate. Madam President, recent developments in the region have demonstrated that the crisis in Yemen is not merely an internal conflict. Conflict, but rather an open confrontation with a subversive agenda that directly threatens regional and international security. The Houthi militias are no longer just a rebel group that staged a coup against the national consensus and legitimate state institutions. They have trans— more transformed into the military arm of the Iranian Revolutionary Guard. They utilize Yemeni territory to threaten regional states, target international shipping, and hold the global economy hostage, all in an attempt to improve their supporters' negotiating position with no regard for the interests of the Yemeni people. These militias have repeatedly demonstrated that subservience to the Iranian regime's agenda— culminating in their recent declaration to join in the defense of that regime and its allies. This confirms that a cherished part of our land has effectively become a launchpad for a cross-border regional agenda, a reality that compels the international community to address these facts both responsibly and firmly. Madam President, the Presidential Leadership Council and the Yemeni Government reiterate their sincere commitment to peace and their full support for all regional and international efforts to end the war, mainly the efforts of the UN Special Envoy based on the agreed-upon terms of reference, especially UN Security Council Resolution 2216.

Thank you.

However, the experience in recent years has proven that sustainable peace is not achieved through a ceasefire alone or by a sharing of power between the state and militias. Rather, it requires a state that holds a monopoly on arms and force, that exercises sovereignty over its entire territory, and that prevents that territory from being used "to threaten the security of neighboring countries, waterways, supply chains, and international peace and security." Accordingly, the Republic of Yemen stresses that containing regional escalation cannot be achieved by merely managing its consequences, but by addressing a primary root cause, namely, the continued existence of rogue terrorist militias that challenge the state's exclusive authority, including by usurping decisions on war and peace to serve a foreign agenda. Madam President, guided by this commitment, the Yemeni government has acted with a high sense of responsibility and made efforts that led to the recent agreement on the exchange of detainees. We believe that reuniting Yemeni families represents a victory for humanitarian values above and beyond being a political achievement. We express our sincere appreciation to our brothers in the Kingdom of Saudi Arabia, the Office of the Special Envoy of the Secretary-General, our brothers in the Hashemite Kingdom of Jordan and the Sultanate of Oman, the International Committee of the Red Cross, and all those who contributed to this agreement. At the same time, we emphasize the importance of not relying on the pledges of the Houthi militias without guarantees and sustained international pressure. We must ensure that this humanitarian achievement does not turn into yet another instance of stalling and obstruction, as was the case with previous commitments. Madam President, while the Houthi militias continue to profit from the war, The Yemeni government, with the generous support of our brothers in the Kingdom of Saudi Arabia, is pressing ahead with a comprehensive program of economic and institutional reforms. We are promoting governance, improving services, combating terrorism, smuggling, and organized crime, and consolidating state institutions in the liberated governorates. The government also continues to address economic and humanitarian challenges despite the ongoing suspension of oil exports caused by Houthi terrorist attacks. These attacks have deprived the state of its most vital sovereign revenue sources—funds that were primarily intended to alleviate the impact of one of the world's worst humanitarian crises. In this context, we reiterate our profound gratitude and appreciation to the brotherly Kingdom of Saudi Arabia for its sincere fraternal stance and its steadfast commitment to supporting the Yemeni people and their political leadership at all levels. A recent example of this support is the grant of oil derivatives, which will help in alleviating the suffering of citizens and improve essential services, particularly electricity. Madam President, over the past months, The Yemeni government has demonstrated its ability to contain complex internal challenges, preserve its national institutions, and proceed with the implementation of transitional phase requirements, including the unification of security and military command. It has also shown an unwavering commitment to addressing the just southern cause, providing redress for grievances, and ensuring equitable equitable partnership through an inclusive southern dialogue sponsored by our brothers in the Kingdom of Saudi Arabia that meets all legitimate aspirations. Throughout this period, the government has exercised the utmost restraint, repeatedly offering opportunities to resolve internal challenges through dialogue, turn the page on the past, and focus on restoring state institutions and building the future. that all Yemenis deserve. However, certain leaders and factions have chosen to continue undermining state institutions, obstructing the fulfillment of national and international obligations, and impeding the government's work. They have supported armed groups that threaten civil peace and jeopardize the transitional process and the constructive efforts —supported by this Council—to achieve an inclusive settlement in the country. In this context, and in accordance with the Constitution and the law, state institutions have taken measures against a number of individuals implicated in acts of rebellion, corruption, and grave human rights violations, foremost among them Haider Ousse Al-Zoubeidi, who is accused of high treason. In this context, the Yemeni government wishes to remind this esteemed Council of the recent political and military maneuvers and ongoing unilateral actions. These actions directly threaten the escalation efforts, Yemen's unity, sovereignty, and territorial integrity, as well as national peace and security. This runs against the provisions of Security Council resolutions, especially resolutions 2140 and Resolution 2216 and violates the obligations set out in the regionally and internationally supported terms of reference for a political settlement. In bringing these developments to your attention, the Yemeni Government hopes that this esteemed Council, exercising its powers and responsibilities under the UN Charter, will continue to warn all parties of the dangers these practices pose to the prospects for peace. It also urges the Council to emphasize the need to strictly enforce Security Council resolutions against any individuals or entities proven to be involved in undermining the political process or threatening peace, security, and stability in Yemen. The Yemeni government also calls upon the Security Council to shoulder its responsibility and update the sanctions list whenever circumstances so warrant, including all individuals and entities proven to be engaged in acts of sabotage or obstruction of the political process, or those seeking to impose unilateral measures by force or to undermine the state institutions and the agreed-upon terms of reference of the transitional period. The Yemeni government reiterates its full readiness to cooperate with the United Nations and the Sanctions Committee and to provide any additional information or documents required to ensure accountability for anyone who undermines state institutions or obstructs implementation of agreements and terms of reference supported by this Council, regardless of their status or affiliation. Impunity only encourages further violations. It undermines justice It fuels forces of terrorism and extremism and allows them to execute criminal schemes that ultimately serve the Houthi agenda, a project that poses the gravest threat to the security and stability of Yemen and the region. Madam President, Yemen does not ask the international community to fight its battles on its behalf. Rather, it seeks clear support for its people's aspirations for security, stability, peace, and development. As well as for the restoration of national institutions, the right to exercise authority over its entire territory, and the elimination of all forms of non-state weapons. Security in the Red Sea begins on Yemeni soil, and the protection of international navigation starts with supporting the Yemeni state, not merely managing the consequences of its destabilization. The longer the international community delays addressing the source of the threat, The higher the cost of safeguarding regional and international security becomes. In conclusion, we renew our call for this Council to adopt a firmer stance regarding continued Iranian interference in Yemeni affairs and to cut off sources of funding and armament to the militias. This is the most direct path to achieving lasting peace, not only in Yemen, but throughout the entire region. Thank you, Madam President.

Thank you.

I thank the representative of Yemen for that statement. There are no more names inscribed on the list of speakers. The meeting is adjourned.