The United Nations Security Council recently convened — as requested jointly by Saudi Arabia, France, Britain, the United States, Turkiye and Pakistan — to discuss vital developments in Yemen. During the meeting, the members strongly denounced the war crimes perpetrated by Iran-backed Houthi militias and called for their formal classification as a terrorist entity. Even if the Security Council officially labeled the Houthis as a terrorist organization years ago, global enforcement has yet to be substantive. Open smuggling channels allow Iran to continuously supply these factions with weaponry.
At the same time, reports indicate that Asian suppliers, particularly Chinese firms, continue to furnish the group with advanced military technologies. Neutralizing this threat entails far more than rubber- stamping the international decrees that ultimately remain unexecuted—a pattern seen for decades while aggressive actors in the region, including Israel, Iran, Hezbollah and the Houthis, broaden their operations. While certain countries find it challenging to navigate a neutral middle ground, the ongoing Iranian- Houthi disruption of vital maritime corridors and the resulting pressure on oil markets and the global economy necessitate a pragmatic strategy. Dealing with these realities requires full accountability for the consequences of relentless terrorist pressure on Saudi Arabia—the planet’s leading oil producer and exporter.
In a recent telephone conversation between Iranian Foreign Affairs Minister Abbas Araghchi and Saudi Foreign Affairs Minister Prince Faisal bin Farhan, Tehran sought to insert itself into the ongoing crisis. However, Riyadh conveyed a firm and unambiguous message -- negotiations must be conducted directly with the legitimate Yemeni government. The diplomatic overture was a calculated move to signal that Iran maintains strong control over Sana’a. It is now evident that Tehran is attempting to use terrorist strikes against Riyadh, along with the political support of prominent global powers, to exert pressure on the international community. In practice, however, this strategy is counterproductive and undermines Iran’s economic well-being.
It is unfortunate that after so many years of conflict, the Houthis continue to choose actions that create further tension in the region. Yemen has already suffered enough. Its people have endured years of hardship, and many families are still struggling with the consequences of a war that has gone on for far too long. Continuing to attack neighbouring countries will do nothing to improve their situation. As a Kuwaiti, the relationship between Kuwait and Saudi Arabia carries particular importance. We have not forgotten the Kingdom’s support during the Iraqi invasion of Kuwait in 1990, when Saudi Arabia welcomed Kuwaitis and stood firmly alongside our country.
That support remains part of our shared history and is something that will always be appreciated. Saudi Arabia has every right to protect its territory, its citizens and residents, and its national interests. The Kingdom has made considerable efforts towards regional stability, and these attacks only make an already difficult situation more complicated. No country should have to face repeated threats to its security. Condemning the actions of the Houthis does not mean overlooking the suffering of the Yemeni people. They deserve peace, stability and the opportunity to rebuild their country. However, peace cannot be achieved while attacks against neighbouring countries continue.
The Houthis must understand that such actions will not bring them closer to a political solution. Instead, they risk further isolating Yemen and prolonging the suffering of its people. For Kuwait, standing alongside Saudi Arabia is more than a diplomatic position. It reflects the close relationship between our countries and the importance we place on one another’s security. The people of Saudi Arabia deserve to live in peace, without the fear of missiles or drones threatening their daily lives. Their safety matters to us, and the Kingdom can always count on the solidarity of its brothers in Kuwait and across the Gulf.
