G7 Foreign Ministers Urge Iran to Halt Houthi Arms at UN Assembly

NEW YORK — Foreign ministers from the Group of Seven nations issued a joint statement Monday at the United Nations General Assembly demanding that Iran cease arming Houthi rebels in Yemen and calling on the militant group to immediately stop attacks and return to negotiations. The declaration, delivered by representatives from the United States, United Kingdom, Canada, France, Germany, Italy, and Japan, marked a unified diplomatic effort to address escalating violence in the Red Sea region and the broader Middle East.

The statement condemned continued strikes launched by the Houthis against civilian shipping lanes and military targets within Saudi Arabia. The G7 ministers emphasized that the ongoing conflict poses a severe threat to global trade security and regional stability. They explicitly linked the intensity of Houthi operations to external support, stating that Iran must end its provision of weapons and logistical aid to the group.

"The international community cannot accept the targeting of civilian vessels or the destabilization of the Arabian Peninsula," the joint communique read. The ministers urged the Houthis to halt all military actions against commercial traffic and to engage in good-faith talks aimed at resolving the humanitarian crisis in Yemen. They reiterated support for a political solution that respects Yemen's sovereignty and territorial integrity.

The timing of the statement coincides with heightened tensions following a series of drone and missile attacks attributed to the Houthis over the past month. These incidents have disrupted maritime commerce through the Bab el-Mandeb strait, a critical chokepoint for global energy supplies. The G7 nations warned that continued aggression would result in further diplomatic isolation and potential economic consequences for those supporting the campaign.

While the seven powers presented a united front, the statement did not specify immediate enforcement mechanisms or outline a timeline for de-escalation. It remains unclear whether Iran will respond to the call to stop arms transfers or if the Houthis will agree to a ceasefire. The rebels have previously stated they would only halt attacks on shipping in exchange for an end to the war in Gaza, a condition not addressed in the G7 text.

Diplomatic sources indicate that the ministers are preparing for further consultations next week to discuss potential sanctions and naval coordination strategies if the situation deteriorates. The UN Security Council is also expected to review the matter, though no formal resolution has been proposed yet. As global leaders gather in New York for the annual assembly, the focus remains on preventing a wider regional conflagration that could draw in additional state actors.

The outcome of these diplomatic efforts hinges on whether the pressure applied by the G7 can alter the calculus of Tehran and the Houthi leadership. Until then, commercial shipping companies continue to reroute vessels around Africa, increasing costs and delivery times for goods worldwide.