UN warns Houthi threats to Saudi Arabia risk global trade and economy

United Nations spokesperson Stéphane Dujarric has voiced the organization's deep concern over new threats issued by the Houthi militia against Saudi Arabia and the freedom of navigation in vital shipping lanes in the Red Sea, warning of the risk of broader regional escalation and its consequences for global trade and the international economy.

Dujarric said the UN is extremely worried about the latest threats from the Houthi militia targeting Saudi Arabia and the freedom of navigation in the Red Sea's key shipping corridors, cautioning that this could lead to a wider regional escalation.

He explained that the organization is also deeply concerned about renewed hostilities and escalating tensions across much of the region, stressing that immediate de-escalation is urgently needed.

He added: "All parties must respect their obligations under international humanitarian law," reiterating the UN's call for all sides to resolve their differences through dialogue and diplomacy.

Dujarric noted that any disruption to navigation in the Red Sea would affect the flow of UN shipments, especially humanitarian supplies and peacekeeping operations, warning that the broader impact would extend to global trade, energy shipments, and overall commercial activity.

He pointed out that these developments come at a time when the world is already feeling the effects of the near-total closure of the Strait of Hormuz and its repercussions on the global economy.