The key facts

  • At a UN Security Council meeting, the US accused Iran of threatening shipping in the Strait of Hormuz, Bab el-Mandeb, and the Red Sea
  • Ambassador Jennifer Lockett called on the Council to hold Tehran accountable
  • The US also accused the Houthis of attacks on Saudi Arabia and declared its support for Riyadh

Accusations at the Security Council Meeting

US Permanent Representative to the UN Jennifer Lockett spoke at a Security Council meeting devoted to the deterioration of maritime security in the Persian Gulf, including threats to shipping through the Strait of Hormuz, the Bab el-Mandeb Strait, and the Red Sea. She stated that the Islamic Republic of Iran threatens international maritime security through attacks on commercial vessels and support for armed groups, and called on the Council to hold Tehran accountable.

The Substance of Washington's Complaints

According to Lockett, Iran attacks neighboring countries, fires on commercial vessels, supports armed groups, and ignores Security Council resolutions. She also accused Tehran of 'deliberately' undermining freedom of navigation. 'Iran ignores this Council. It ignores the overwhelming opinion of the international community,' the US ambassador said.

The Houthis and the US Position

Separately, Lockett accused Yemen's Houthi movement of escalating attacks against Saudi Arabia, including strikes on commercial vessels, airports, and energy infrastructure using missiles and drones. She stated that the US 'stands together with partners in the Gulf against Iranian attempts to undermine regional stability' and supports Riyadh against 'Iranian-backed Houthi terrorists.' The ambassador called on members of the Council, including those who, in her words, had 'shielded' Iran and the Houthis, to support regional peace and the protection of commercial shipping.