News - Yemen: Yemen’s Foreign Ministry Ambassador Abdullah Sabri warned of the dangers posed by the latest United Nations Security Council decision, stating that it intensifies humanitarian suffering and heightens tensions in Yemen and across the region, particularly in the Red Sea.

In remarks to Almasirah TV, Sabri said the previous UNSC decision contributed to further militarization of the Red Sea, threatening maritime security and increasing risks for Yemen and its regional surroundings.

“The previous Security Council decision worsened the suffering of millions of Yemenis, and its extension will deepen this hardship while failing to meet real standards,” he said.

Sabri emphasized that continuing such policies reflects a disregard for humanitarian conditions and exacerbates Yemen’s economic and social crises, placing the population before increasing challenges that must be addressed through all legitimate means.

He noted that the international community’s lax stance toward Yemen partially serves the interests of major powers, adding: “Russia and China prioritize their relations with Saudi Arabia and the UAE, and these interests drive their hesitant position.”

The ambassador highlighted that this international approach exposes a double standard in dealing with Yemen, weakening prospects for fair and sustainable solutions to the crisis.

Sabri confirmed that Yemen is closely monitoring developments in the Security Council, warning that any decision undermining Yemeni interests or sovereignty will negatively affect security and stability in the Red Sea and the wider region. 

He stressed that genuine international pressure should focus on alleviating humanitarian suffering, ending the blockade, and establishing clear standards to protect Yemenis’ rights and national sovereignty.

He reaffirmed that Yemen’s stance is rooted in defending national interests and regional security, insisting that all escalation measures will not deter the Yemeni people from protecting their rights.

In conclusion, Sabri called on the international community to adopt a responsible, substantive approach toward Yemen that addresses the humanitarian crisis, halts military escalation in the Red Sea, strengthens regional security, and safeguards international navigation.

The United Nations Security Council recently adopted a British-sponsored draft resolution extending sanctions on Yemen for an additional 12 months. The resolution passed with 13 votes in favor and abstentions from Russia and China.

The renewed sanctions regime includes financial restrictions and travel bans, along with expanded monitoring mechanisms targeting what the Council describes as dual-use components and precursor materials that could be used in weapons manufacturing. The UK representative, James Kariuki, stated that the updated measures aim to address what he called the “increasing complexity and scale of Houthi smuggling and financing.”

The resolution also contains provisions related to maritime interdictions, requiring UN member states to inspect vessels operating in the Red Sea and surrounding waters. These measures have drawn criticism from major powers: China abstained, denouncing the maritime inspection clause as “arbitrary,” while Russia described the text as “unbalanced” and “politicized.”

The decision comes amid heightened tensions in the Red Sea and ongoing foreign escalation against Yemen, which Sana’a argues is being legitimized through such UN decisions. Yemen says the renewed sanctions fail to address the blockade, humanitarian suffering, or foreign aggression—issues it considers central to any genuine path toward peace.