At a United Nations Security Council briefing on June 12, 2025, Acting U.S. Representative Ambassador Dorothy Shea delivered pointed remarks condemning the Houthis for ongoing threats to regional stability and humanitarian operations in Yemen. Shea emphasized that while no ceasefire violations have occurred since recent U.S. efforts to secure maritime routes, the Houthis continue to endanger civilians, obstruct aid, and exploit economic systems for profit.

Shea called for the immediate and unconditional release of UN, NGO, and diplomatic staff detained by the Houthis, some of whom have been held for over a year under false charges. She also highlighted the Houthis’ missile attacks on Israel and their deepening ties with Iran and extremist groups like al-Shabaab, urging the Council to hold Iran accountable for violating arms embargoes.

Assistant Secretary-General Joyce Msuya echoed concerns over the humanitarian crisis, while also noting a rare positive development: the reopening of a key road between Aden and Sana’a, closed for nearly seven years. This move is expected to significantly improve civilian access to healthcare and reduce travel times across Yemen.

The briefing underscored both the urgency of addressing humanitarian needs and the geopolitical complexities fueling Yemen’s prolonged conflict. You can read the full remarks on the U.S. Mission to the UN’s official page.