Press release

FCDO Statement on Houthi threats against Saudi Arabia

An FCDO statement on recent Houthi threats against Saudi Arabia, including plans to impose a maritime blockade.

• From: Foreign, Commonwealth & Development Office and The Rt Hon Ed Miliband MP
• Published: 21 July 2026

An FCDO spokesperson said:

The UK strongly condemns recent Houthi threats against Saudi Arabia, including plans to impose a maritime blockade. These provocations risk further regional instability, endanger freedom of navigation in the Red Sea, and undermine efforts to secure peace in Yemen.

We stand firmly with Saudi Arabia, and other partners within the region, in the face of these threats and call on the Houthis to immediately cease their escalatory actions.

Media enquiries

Email newsdesk@fcdo.gov.uk

Telephone 020 7008 3100

Email the FCDO Newsdesk (monitored 24 hours a day) in the first instance, and we will respond as soon as possible.

Published 21 July 2026