UN Secretary-General Antonio Guterres expressed deep concern on July 24, 2026, regarding the renewed attacks by Yemen's Iran-backed Houthi rebels on commercial vessels in the Red Sea. The statement, delivered by spokesperson Stephane Dujarric, specifically referenced attacks against two Saudi oil tankers that occurred on Thursday, July 23.

Guterres warned that these hostilities threaten to intensify regional tensions and expand the current cycle of escalation, potentially dragging Yemen deeper into a regional conflict. He emphasized that further violence could undermine peace prospects and result in severe economic, humanitarian, and environmental consequences across the region and beyond. The UN chief called for immediate de-escalation, urging the Houthi forces to refrain from further actions in line with UN Security Council Resolution 2722 (2024) and subsequent mandates aimed at ensuring maritime security.