EU Condemns Houthi Attacks on Red Sea Tankers as Destabilizing Force

The European Union’s top diplomat issued a firm demand on Thursday for the Houthis to halt their ongoing maritime attacks in the Red Sea, following a strike on a Saudi vessel by the Iran-backed group.

“The attack on an oil tanker in the Red Sea is unacceptable, illegal, and further destabilizes an already volatile region,” stated EU foreign policy chief Kaja Kallas. “The Houthis must end all actions that threaten international shipping and the safety of seafarers.”

The targeting of Saudi shipping in the Red Sea has expanded the scope of the Middle East conflict and triggered a surge in oil prices.

Earlier this week, the Houthis claimed responsibility for striking two Saudi oil tankers, following their declaration of a blockade against Saudi ports.

Kallas reaffirmed that the EU naval mission deployed to the Red Sea to ensure safe passage through the critical waterway “remains fully committed to protecting freedom of navigation for all.”

Meanwhile, U.S. President Donald Trump threatened the Houthi rebels with “major military punishment” on Thursday in response to the tanker attacks.

“The US will hold Iran responsible, as the Houthis act as a proxy for Iran; major military punishment will be inflicted upon Iran and the Houthis themselves,” Trump stated on his Truth Social platform.

The Houthis are an armed movement from Yemen’s Zaydi Shia community that seized control of Sanaa in 2014. Since that time, they have maintained control over much of northern Yemen and have become closely aligned with Iran, which Western governments accuse of providing military and political support. The Houthis deny being an Iranian proxy.

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