Date: November 11, 2026
By Stephen Iwuh | Dalena Reporters
The Group of Seven (G7) foreign ministers have reaffirmed their support for Saudi Arabia and Yemen’s internationally recognized government, condemning continued attacks by Yemen’s Houthi movement and calling on Iran to end its alleged military support for the group.
In a joint declaration issued following a two-day meeting in Paris on November 9 and 10, the foreign ministers expressed solidarity with Saudi Arabia and Yemen, stressing that both countries have the right to protect their security, sovereignty and territorial integrity in accordance with international law.
The declaration comes amid escalating tensions in the region, including attacks attributed to the Houthis against Saudi territory and growing concerns over Iran’s wider military activities in the Middle East.
The G7 ministers condemned what they described as unacceptable continued Houthi attacks in Yemen and against Saudi Arabia, including strikes targeting civilians and civilian infrastructure. They called on the group to immediately stop all military operations and threats and avoid actions that could further escalate the conflict.
The ministers also urged all parties, including Iran, to stop providing weapons and other support to the Houthis, arguing that such assistance violates several United Nations Security Council resolutions.
Their statement represents a strong diplomatic message from the world's leading industrialized democracies, placing renewed international attention on the relationship between Tehran and the Houthi movement.
G7 Calls for De-escalation and a Political Solution in Yemen
Beyond condemning the attacks, the G7 foreign ministers called for renewed efforts to restore an inclusive political process capable of resolving Yemen’s prolonged conflict.
They said the Houthis should halt military activities and threats to create conditions for negotiations and a peaceful settlement.
The ministers also expressed concern about the worsening humanitarian situation in Yemen, where years of conflict have left millions of people facing food insecurity, displacement and limited access to essential services.
They called for the protection of civilians and safe, uninterrupted humanitarian access to communities affected by the fighting. Particular attention was given to the besieged city of Taiz, where the G7 urged the urgent establishment of a humanitarian corridor to allow essential supplies and assistance to reach civilians.
The declaration further demanded the immediate and unconditional release of all humanitarian personnel detained by the Houthis, including approximately 70 United Nations staff members.
The detention of humanitarian workers has become a major concern for international organizations operating in Yemen, with restrictions and security threats complicating efforts to deliver assistance to vulnerable populations.
Saudi Arabia Faces Renewed Security Concerns
Saudi Arabia has faced repeated security threats linked to the conflict in Yemen, particularly attacks targeting airports, energy infrastructure and other strategic facilities.
According to the Arab News report, Houthi attacks against Saudi targets have intensified since the collapse of a fragile ceasefire arrangement that had been in place since 2022.
The renewed violence has raised concerns about the security of Saudi Arabia’s civilian population and critical infrastructure, while also threatening regional stability.
The G7's declaration provides diplomatic backing for Saudi Arabia's position that it has the right to defend itself against attacks. However, the ministers also emphasized the need to prevent further escalation and return to a political process that could bring lasting stability to Yemen.
The statement does not announce a new military intervention by G7 countries. Instead, it focuses on diplomatic pressure, regional security cooperation, humanitarian access and the implementation of existing international obligations.
Iran Faces Further International Pressure
The declaration also addressed Iran’s broader role in regional instability, accusing Tehran of supporting armed groups and contributing to security threats across the Middle East.
The G7 ministers urged Iran to stop supporting non-state armed groups and warned that, without a diplomatic solution, they would continue coordinating efforts to economically and politically restrict the Iranian government's ability to destabilize the region.
They also condemned Iran's attacks against neighbouring countries and expressed concern over disruptions to maritime navigation through the Strait of Hormuz.
The ministers said restrictions on shipping through the strategic waterway were damaging international trade, energy security and the global economy. They called on Tehran to stop attacks against civilian vessels and reaffirmed their opposition to any tolls, fees or restrictions imposed on lawful maritime passage.
The G7 also supported defensive efforts to clear mines and escort civilian vessels through the Strait of Hormuz, while recognizing the potential contribution of a separate defensive maritime initiative led by France and the United Kingdom.
These concerns demonstrate that the G7 views the security situation in Yemen as part of a wider regional challenge involving Iran, maritime trade and the stability of international energy markets.
Regional Security and International Diplomacy
The G7 declaration reflects growing concern among major Western powers about the interconnected security crises affecting the Middle East.
The conflict in Yemen, attacks against Saudi Arabia, tensions involving Iran and threats to international shipping have created additional pressure on diplomatic efforts to prevent a wider regional confrontation.
The ministers also addressed security developments in Lebanon and Gaza, calling for the implementation of existing agreements, protection of civilians and improved humanitarian access.
On Lebanon, they stressed the importance of bringing weapons held by non-state armed groups, particularly Hezbollah, under the authority of the Lebanese state. On Gaza, they called for humanitarian assistance, reconstruction efforts and implementation of the relevant United Nations Security Council resolution.
For Yemen, however, the immediate message was directed at the Houthis and their alleged external supporters: military attacks must stop, humanitarian workers must be released, and political negotiations must be given another opportunity.
Whether the declaration will lead to a reduction in attacks remains uncertain. Its impact will depend largely on the willingness of the parties involved to respect international demands and pursue a negotiated settlement.
For Saudi Arabia, the statement offers renewed diplomatic support from the G7 at a time of heightened security concerns. For Yemen’s civilian population, the international appeal for a humanitarian corridor and unrestricted aid access highlights the urgent need to separate humanitarian assistance from the continuing political and military confrontation.
The G7's position makes clear that it wants an end to Houthi attacks, an end to external arms support for the movement and a return to negotiations aimed at achieving a more stable Yemen.