UN Security Council holds emergency meeting on Yemen, amid Houthi attacks

The UN Security Council held an emergency meeting on Tuesday to address escalating clashes between Iran-backed Houthi forces and Yemeni government troops, supported by Saudi Arabia. This was the second such meeting in less than a week. The fighting, which includes Houthi attempts to close the strategic Bab el-Mandeb Strait, threatens global shipping and exacerbates Yemen's humanitarian crisis. The U.S. urged the council to be “clear-eyed” about Iran’s role in arming and directing the Houthis, with Jennifer Locetta stating, “Freedom of navigation underpins the global economy, and the United States is working with our partners to protect it.” Bahrain’s ambassador, Jamal Alrowaiei, called for a more decisive stance from the Security Council against Houthi attacks on Saudi Arabia. The Houthis claim their actions are independent of Iran and aim to end a Saudi blockade, while critics suggest they are pressuring the U.S. for concessions.