Saudi Arabia and Allies Condemn Houthi Maritime Blockade Threats

The Government of Saudi Arabia and a coalition of regional and international partners condemned threats by the Houthi militia to impose a maritime blockade on the Kingdom. During a cabinet meeting in Jeddah chaired by King Salman bin Abdulaziz, the Saudi government rejected baseless Houthi allegations and stated it would take firm measures to protect its security and vessels in accordance with international law.

The escalation drew immediate condemnation from the League of Arab States, the Gulf Cooperation Council, the United Arab Emirates, and Pakistan. GCC Secretary-General Jasem Mohamed Albudaiwi and the UAE Ministry of Foreign Affairs asserted that freedom of navigation is a guaranteed right under the 1982 UN Convention on the Law of the Sea. Pakistan specifically noted that threats against commercial shipping and trade with Saudi Arabia are unacceptable violations of international law.

To manage the crisis, Saudi Foreign Minister Prince Faisal bin Farhan coordinated with counterparts from Spain, Italy, and Germany to discuss regional de-escalation. The United Nations also expressed concern, with spokesperson Stephane Dujarric emphasizing that UN Security Council Resolution 2722 must be fully respected. Meanwhile, the Saudi cabinet expressed solidarity with Kuwait, Bahrain, and Jordan following Iranian attacks, demanding an end to broader regional military escalation.