Introduction: Crisis in Yemen Addressed by the US at the UN
On July 9, 2025 US Report to the UN Security Council on Yemen Ambassador Dorothy Shea as the Acting US Representative to the UN presented at a Security Council briefing which was focused on the current crisis in Yemen. She spoke to the security which is breaking down, the actions of the Houthi which are destabilizing, the humanitarian crises which Yemen is facing, and the requirement for strong international enforcement of UN resolutions. We present below a in depth research based rework and analysis of her address which also provides context and goes into greater detail of key issues relevant to the Security Council’s discussion.
The Security Challenge in Yemen
Houthi Attacks and Regional Destabilization
Ambassador Shea at the start of her remarks put forth that the issue of the persistent threat which we see from the Houthis is very much with us. In the run up to this briefing the Houthis were reported to have carried out attacks on 2 commercial vessels in the Red Sea. Which resulted in tragic loss of life, injuries to sailors, and the sinking of the cargo ship Magic Seas. The US responded with full force against these actions which also we must note did not only target the vessels but also put into question the very tenets of freedom of navigation which is the base of our global trade and maritime security.
The Ambassador reported that the Houthis in coordination with Iran have been carrying out drone and missile attacks which saw a recent addition to their arsenal of July 5. The US put forth that which is at stake for Israel’s right to self defense is very much in play in this issue which also puts into perspective the connected nature of the region’s security issues and the far reaching results of Houthi action.
Human Rights Violations and Detentions
A great deal of the report was on the Houthi’s issue of detaining which they do of the Yemeni and foreign people. They have arrested many UN staff, non government organizations (NGO) personnel and diplomatic mission teams. The US put out that all detainees must be released right away and without condition which they put forth as a piece of a large picture of the group using the country and its people as pawns in their political games.
The UN Security Council’s Role and Response
Renewed Vigilance and Reporting on Maritime Threats
Ambassador Shea put forth the issue of the Security Council’s continuous care in the face of the recent uprise of Houthi attacks. She asked that Council members join the US and Greece in putting forward once again what is put forth in Security Council Resolution 2722 which is we ask the Secretary General to report to the Council on attacks of merchant and commercial vessels in the Red Sea. That reporting mechanism we see as key to transparence and to a prompt international response to marine threats.
Iran’s Role and Regional Implications
Iran’s issue in the Ambassador’s report was that of Iran’s support for the Houthis. The US reports that Iran enables the Houthis to attack Israel, to threaten Gulf neighbors, and to be a part of large scale terror groups in the Middle East. The U.S. put forth to the Security Council that which which they are not enforcing current resolutions regarding Iran’s actions is a mistake, that in fact the Iranian support for the Houthis which goes unchecked perpetuates regional instability and violence.
UN Mechanisms Supporting Yemen
UNVIM: United Nations Verification and Inspection Mechanism
Ambassador Shea spoke very well of UNVIM for Yemen which has seen improved efficiency and effectiveness through the physical inspection of all containerized cargo. UNVIM plays a key role in that it is what gets humanitarian aid and commercial products to Yemen’s people and what also keeps out prohibited items. The U.S. also called on member states to put in direct support for UNVIM that which requires annual $10.5 million to operate at full scale — a small price for the great service it provides.
UN Mission for the Hudaydah Agreement (UNMHA)
As it stands the Ambassador reported that the UN Mission to Support the Hudaydah Agreement (UNMHA) is past its use by date. Which put forth that the mission which was to enforce a truce and see through the withdrawal of forces in Hudaydah has out lived its original purpose due to changed conditions on the ground.
Legal and Policy Considerations from the U.S.
Designation of the Houthis as a Foreign Terrorist Organization
Ambassador Shea informed the Council that UNVIM clearance is not a get out of jail free card for ships which are found to be supporting the Houthis, which the U.S. has labeled as a Foreign Terrorist Organization (FTO). Also she brought up that putting resources behind an FTO is a violation of U.S. law which we see in the case of the Houthis and therefore we see the importance of due diligence from international players which are doing business in Yemen.
Continued Commitment to Counterterrorism
The U.S. reports it is increasing its support to put an end to the support which the Houthi receive for their terrorist actions and networks. This goes beyond military and intelligence actions to also include diplomatic efforts which push for strict implementation of UN resolutions and international law.
Broader Context: Yemen’s Humanitarian and Political Crises
The issue in Yemen is very much at a crossroads with ongoing conflict, economic collapse which brought on hyperinflation, and wide spread humanitarian crises. At the Security Council briefing also brought up the issue of acute need for international aid. As of mid-2025 Yemen is seeing alarmingly high levels of food insecurity which has put millions at risk of famine and a humanitarian response plan is calling for over $1.4 billion in immediate funding.
Political progress on a full scale solution is at a standstill which the Houthis are to blame for by way of their actions which in turn is breaking down the dialogue and negotiation processes. Also the international community which includes the UN and regional players is still for an inclusive and Yemeni led political process which they see as the only practical step toward a permanent peace.
Unity, Enforcement, and Relief Needed Now
Continued pressure on the Houthis, strict implementation of UN measures, and strong support for humanitarian actions is what we see as key to progress. We require unity, accountability, and dedicated support from all Security Council members and the international community going forward.
Reference:
Yemen: Biweekly Reports and Updates, Security Council Report
U.S. Mission to the United Nations Security Council briefing on Yemen
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