The European Union has called on Iran to immediately cease all forms of military support to the Houthi group in Yemen, citing a blatant violation of UN Security Council resolutions. This appeal comes as the EU continues to express deep concern over the escalating military actions by the Houthis and their attacks on Saudi Arabia, particularly against civilians and civilian infrastructure. The EU's statement, released on Monday by High Representative for Foreign Affairs and Security Policy, also voiced strong condemnation for recent attacks on the presidential palace in Aden and the ongoing siege of Taiz.
The EU's statement described the Houthi attacks as reprehensible acts that must be stopped immediately. The bloc emphasized the need for all parties, including Iran, to halt any military support to the Houthis, which contravenes several UN Security Council resolutions. The EU reiterated its commitment to Yemen's unity, sovereignty, and territorial integrity, and reaffirmed its support for the Yemeni government and the Presidential Leadership Council. This support aims to bolster their efforts to implement reforms, enhance governance, and address the country's severe economic, humanitarian, and human rights challenges.
The European Union warned that the Houthi military escalation, coupled with the difficulty in accessing basic goods and their rising costs, significantly exacerbates the humanitarian crisis in Yemen. Over 22 million people in Yemen are in need of assistance, with a growing number facing food insecurity, lack of healthcare, and clean water. The EU highlighted the dire situation in Taiz, where between 800,000 and 950,000 civilians, including displaced persons, are trapped. The bloc cautioned against a renewed siege of the city, given the large-scale Houthi military buildup, and emphasized that using starvation as a weapon of war is prohibited under international law.
The EU demanded that the Houthis open a humanitarian corridor to Taiz immediately and ensure the safe, rapid, and unhindered delivery of aid and humanitarian supplies to all those in need. The bloc also stressed the importance of guaranteeing the safety of humanitarian workers and their freedom to operate. The EU called for all parties to the conflict to be held accountable for their obligations under international humanitarian law and human rights law, particularly regarding the protection of civilians and civilian infrastructure.
The European Union reiterated its call for the immediate and unconditional release of all humanitarian workers detained by the Houthis, including around 70 UN staff arbitrarily held in Sana'a. The EU also expressed its condolences to the family of Mohammed Al-Shami, a staff member of the UN High Commissioner for Human Rights, who died while in Houthi detention since June 2024. The bloc emphasized that the Yemeni conflict cannot be resolved militarily and reaffirmed its support for the UN Special Envoy's efforts to achieve a comprehensive and sustainable political settlement.
On the humanitarian front, the EU announced an increase in its emergency aid to Yemen by €25 million, bringing its total assistance for 2026 to €110 million. Since 2015, the EU has provided nearly €2 billion in aid to Yemen, covering humanitarian relief, development, crisis response, and peacebuilding. The bloc also highlighted the importance of protecting maritime security and ensuring freedom of navigation in the Red Sea and Bab al-Mandeb Strait, in accordance with international law and the UN Convention on the Law of the Sea.
The EU concluded by condemning all threats and attacks on civilian and commercial shipping, warning of their implications for regional security and international trade. The bloc reaffirmed the continued role of its maritime operation, EUNAVFOR ASPIDES, in defending shipping and maritime lives. Key points: The EU demands Iran cease military support to Houthis; The bloc calls for an immediate stop to Houthi military operations; The EU urges the opening of a humanitarian corridor to Taiz.
