The European Union on Thursday condemned Houthi threats to impose a maritime blockade on Saudi Arabia, describing them as a direct threat to regional stability and a dangerous escalation.
EU foreign affairs chief Kaja Kallas said: “The attack on an oil tanker in the Red Sea is unacceptable, illegal and further inflames an already volatile situation in the region.”
The EU stressed that freedom of navigation must be preserved in the Strait of Hormuz and the Red Sea and called on the Houthis to halt all actions that endanger international shipping and the lives of seafarers.
In a statement, it urged the group to comply with international law, including the UN convention, and UN Security Council resolutions on Yemen and freedom of navigation.
The EU also said its naval mission, Aspides, remains committed to protecting freedom of navigation in the Red Sea and surrounding international waters.
