UNSC Urges De-escalation in Yemen, Stresses Sovereignty Amid Iranian Plane Crisis

New York – The United Nations Security Council convened an emergency session to address rising tensions in Yemen, dominated by the controversy surrounding an attempted landing of an Iranian aircraft. Member states and UN officials underscored the importance of respecting Yemen’s sovereignty, warning that unchecked escalation could widen the conflict and destabilize the region.

The United States accused the Houthi movement of continuing to threaten Yemen’s security and international shipping lanes with Iranian support. 

Washington’s envoy argued that the attempted reception of the Iranian plane reflected ongoing military backing, pointing to the Houthis’ use of drones, missiles, and cluster munitions as evidence of sustained external assistance. 

She stressed that any aircraft landing in Yemen without the approval of the legitimate government constitutes a violation of sovereignty and international law, reaffirming U.S. support for the Yemeni government.

The UN Assistant Secretary-General for Middle East Affairs voiced concern over escalating tensions, urging all parties to exercise restraint and avoid steps that could fuel further confrontation. He reiterated that a political settlement remains the only viable path to ending the war.

The United Kingdom rejected measures that could strengthen Houthi military capabilities, calling instead for existing dialogue channels to be leveraged toward a comprehensive and lasting peace.

The Bahraini representative condemned Houthi attacks on Saudi Arabia and warned of threats to navigation in the Bab al-Mandeb Strait. 

He argued that continued external support for the Houthis undermines peace efforts and obstructs the implementation of Security Council resolutions, particularly Resolution 2216.

The Greek delegate cautioned against the regional fallout of escalating hostilities, stressing that threats to maritime and aviation safety pose risks to both regional and global stability. She called for adherence to international aviation laws and protection of Red Sea shipping routes.

The Chinese envoy urged all sides to show restraint and avoid actions that could ignite new clashes, while the Somali representative reaffirmed his country’s support for Yemen’s sovereignty and territorial integrity. 

He expressed concern over intensifying military activity, especially in Hodeidah, warning that prolonged fighting would complicate peace efforts.

The session followed a series of alarming developments: the attempted landing of an Iranian plane in Yemen, the subsequent targeting of Sana’a airport’s runway, diversion of the flight to Hodeidah, and a Houthi claim of striking Saudi Arabia’s Abha airport. These events have heightened international fears of a new phase of military escalation in Yemen.