The United States has been in contact with Saudi Arabia regarding recent threats made by the Houthi group, US Secretary Marco Rubio said. Rubio noted that the threats, including a naval blockade declared against the Kingdom, are not new but have materialized recently. The US has engaged with Saudi officials multiple times over the past week on the issue.
Separately, the Organization of Islamic Cooperation (OIC) and the Arab Parliament have condemned the Houthi group's threats against Saudi Arabia. OIC Secretary-General Hissein Brahim Taha called the accusations and threats unacceptable and warned that continued threats to maritime navigation endanger regional and international security. He reaffirmed the OIC's full solidarity with Saudi Arabia and supported all measures the Kingdom takes to protect its security.
The Arab Parliament also expressed firm rejection of what it called provocative statements by the Houthi military spokesperson accusing Saudi Arabia of imposing a blockade on Yemen. Speaker Mohammed bin Ahmed Al Yamahi stressed that such remarks contradict Saudi Arabia's ongoing support for the Yemeni people. He called on the international community to implement United Nations Security Council resolutions, including Resolution 2722, to protect freedom of navigation in the Red Sea and deter actions threatening peace and security.
Both organizations highlighted Saudi Arabia's efforts in Yemen, including humanitarian aid and development projects, and reiterated their support for the Kingdom's security as part of regional stability.