G7 foreign ministers have urged Iran to stop arming and supporting Yemen’s Houthi movement, while condemning attacks on Saudi Arabia and civilian shipping. They said the escalation threatened regional and global energy security, international trade and economic stability, and called on the Houthis to halt military operations and return to political negotiations.

The fighting intensified after the Houthis captured territory on Yemen’s Red Sea coast, including near the strategically important Bab al-Mandab Strait. The UN estimates that more than 120,000 people have been displaced, while Saudi-led air strikes reportedly killed at least six people in Mokha; the Houthis have also launched drones and missiles at Saudi cities and infrastructure, prompting requests for further defensive military support from international partners.