France Condemns Iran’s Violation of Yemen’s Sovereignty Through Unauthorized Flights

France strongly condemned Iran’s undermining of Yemen’s sovereignty and violation of international law after Iranian aircraft landed in Sana’a on July 3 and in Hodeidah on July 13 without authorization from Yemen’s legitimate authorities.

Speaking at an emergency UN Security Council session on Yemen, France’s Permanent Representative reaffirmed Paris’s full commitment to Yemen’s unity, sovereignty, and territorial integrity. 

The envoy said Iran’s actions reflect its destabilizing behavior in the region, citing renewed clashes in the Persian Gulf since July 7 and Tehran’s announcement of closing the Strait of Hormuz.

France stressed that Iran’s support for the Houthis poses a threat to international peace and security, violating UN Security Council Resolution 2216 (2015) and Resolution 2624 (2022), which extended the arms embargo to the Houthis as an entity. Paris urged Iran to fully comply with its international obligations and halt all transfers of military equipment to the Houthis.

The French envoy also called on Houthi militants to cease destabilizing activities, including attacks on Saudi Arabia, reiterating solidarity with the Kingdom. 

France highlighted Houthi threats to launch attacks in the Red Sea, underscoring the need to safeguard maritime security and freedom of navigation under Resolution 2722 (2024). 

Paris confirmed its continued participation in the EU naval mission “EU NAVFOR ASPIDES,” strictly defensive and coordinated with European and international partners.

Furthermore, France accused the Houthis of deliberately obstructing humanitarian work and demanded the immediate, unconditional release of all UN staff, NGO workers, and diplomatic personnel arbitrarily detained. 

Such detentions, Paris stressed, are unacceptable and violate international humanitarian law, human rights law, and Security Council Resolution 2730 (2024).