The internationally recognized government of Yemen has formally petitioned the UN Security Council to take decisive action against what it calls Iran’s “blatant interference” in the country’s internal affairs, citing a recent major weapons seizure allegedly bound for the Iran-backed Houthi militia, Al Arabiya reported on July 25, 2025.
In an official memorandum delivered to Council President Munir Akram by Yemen’s UN envoy Abdullah al-Saadi, Yemeni Foreign Minister Shayea al-Zindani revealed that Yemeni Coast Guard and National Resistance forces intercepted a shipment of advanced Iranian weapons on June 27. The seized cargo, weighing approximately 750 tons, included naval and aerial missile systems, modern radar and air defense platforms, offensive and surveillance drones, anti-armor missiles, B-10 artillery, sniper rifles, and large quantities of ammunition.
Perhaps most damning was the presence of operating manuals in Farsi, reinforcing accusations of direct Iranian involvement. Al-Zindani called the shipment a flagrant violation of UN Security Council Resolutions 2140 and 2216, which prohibit the transfer of arms to the Houthis.
#Iran News: Iranian Smugglers Arrested in Yemen for Alleged Ties to #Houthishttps://t.co/H9Acl7CLji
— NCRI-FAC (@iran_policy) February 6, 2025
The Yemeni government accused the regime in Iran of not only fueling the conflict in Yemen but also undermining regional stability and threatening international maritime navigation. Al-Zindani urged the Council to impose strict sanctions on the Iranian regime and networks responsible for arms smuggling, and to hold Tehran accountable for ongoing violations of international law.
Yemen’s appeal also calls for the UN to strengthen the United Nations Verification and Inspection Mechanism (UNVIM) and expedite the appointment of a new panel of experts to document violations and ensure accountability.
Amb. Mohammed Al-Hadhrami outlines a new strategy to address the Houthi threat, emphasizing their reliance on #Iran's regime and the IRGC. He urges the U.S. to designate the #Houthis as a foreign terrorist organization, a move similar to those against Hezbollah and the IRGC. pic.twitter.com/k4FgxNyklD
— NCRI-FAC (@iran_policy) December 25, 2024
The memorandum emphasized that long-term peace in Yemen and regional security cannot be achieved without restoring the full authority of the Yemeni government, including control over all coastal and territorial zones.
This development marks a significant escalation in Yemen’s diplomatic efforts to rally international consensus against Tehran’s expanding influence and proxy warfare in the region.