Statement condemns Houthi escalation, warns of heightened risks at Bab el-Mandeb

The presenter reading the joint statement on behalf of 80 countries "strongly condemn[ed] the Houthi's decision to resume conflict in Yemen," saying the group's strikes on Saudi Arabia and attacks in the Red Sea are reckless and endanger maritime traffic.

The statement warned that the Houthis' advance toward the Bab el-Mandeb would "only heighten risks to international shipping, maritime security, [and] the global trade through this critical waterway." It called on parties to cease actions that threaten navigational safety and to work with international partners to reduce risks to commercial vessels.

The presenter made no operational demands in this statement beyond urging cessation of hostilities and inviting other U.N. member states to join the diplomatic statement.