Saudi Arabia Dismisses Houthi Blockade Allegations as Misinformation at UN Security Council

NEW YORK CITY: Saudi Arabia has dismissed Houthi claims of a blockade on Yemeni ports and airports as “part of a campaign of misinformation,” addressing the UN Security Council on Thursday.

The Kingdom renewed its call for the international community to enforce Security Council resolutions regarding Yemen and freedom of navigation in the Red Sea.

Faisal Meshari T. Almadi, minister plenipotentiary and head of the Security Council and Political Affairs Division at Saudi Arabia’s mission to the UN, spoke during a Security Council session on peaceful dispute resolution, convened by the Democratic Republic of the Congo.

He emphasized that the meeting occurred “at a time when the entire world is experiencing rapidly evolving challenges and growing tensions that have cast a shadow over regional and international security and stability.”

Almadi highlighted recent Middle East developments, including “the closure of major crossings and straits involved in supplying the world with energy, goods and essential resources,” underscoring the need to strengthen dialogue, diplomacy, and updated international mediation mechanisms suited to current realities.

Saudi Arabia regards dialogue, mediation, and preventive diplomacy as essential tools for preventing, containing, and resolving conflicts, he stated. He emphasized building trust between disputing parties, addressing root causes of tensions, and respecting state sovereignty and territorial integrity as “indispensable pillars for achieving sustainable peace in the region.”

He pointed to the Kingdom’s Vision 2030 plan for national development and diversification as reflecting the conviction that “development and innovation and the creation of opportunities represent the best path toward stability and avoiding conflict.”

Almadi reiterated Saudi Arabia’s commitment to establishing peace in Yemen and ending the suffering of “the brotherly Yemeni people,” noting the Kingdom’s support for all UN-led peace efforts since the crisis began, including a government-approved roadmap.

He stated that the Houthis rejected this roadmap and instead became “embroiled in a regional conflict to advance its malicious agenda,” deepening the suffering of Yemeni citizens under their control.

He called on the international community to enforce Security Council resolutions, “primarily Resolution 2216 on Yemen and Resolution 2722 concerning the rights and freedom of navigation in the Red Sea.”

Almadi noted that the Coalition to Restore Legitimacy in Yemen’s Joint Forces Command announced it would take “all necessary operational decisive measures,” in accordance with international law and the UN Convention on the Law of the Sea, to protect international shipping in Bab Al-Mandab Strait.

He rejected Houthi claims that Yemeni ports and airports have been closed, describing the militia’s narrative of a blockade as “misleading,” “false” and without basis in fact. Over 300 commercial vessels carrying food, goods, fuel, and construction materials entered the ports of Hodeidah, Saleef, and Ras Isa in the first half of this year, he said, while the Houthis rejected all initiatives for resuming flights to and from Sanaa airport, most recently a Jordanian proposal.

Almadi added that Houthi actions led to the closure of Sanaa International Airport and the destruction of a Yemenia aircraft, while coalition forces have begun implementing measures to protect vessels transiting Bab Al-Mandab Strait.

He described Houthi threats to shipping as clear violations of international law that “qualify as maritime piracy,” warning that allowing attacks to continue without deterrent measures would only encourage more, undermine regional stability, and threaten freedom of maritime navigation as a pillar of the international order.

Almadi called on the international community to condemn the Houthis for targeting commercial vessels and to take all necessary steps to prevent further violations.

He stated that Saudi Arabia renewed its commitment to supporting international efforts to strengthen peace and security, and to working with the UN and regional and international partners “to build a Middle East that is more secure, stable and prosperous.”

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