UN warns Houthi Red Sea attacks escalate

The United Nations warned against further escalation in the US-Iran war and risks to global shipping amid Houthi attacks on commercial vessels in the Red Sea and threats to the Bab-el-Mandeb Strait. UN Secretary-General António Guterres expressed deep alarm over the resumption of Houthi attacks, which reportedly struck two Saudi oil tankers. The Houthis, backed by Iran, have threatened to blockade the Bab-el-Mandeb Strait, a key shipping route. The UN called for immediate de-escalation and urged the Houthis to refrain from further attacks. Meanwhile, at least 6,000 seafarers remain stranded on some 400 vessels in the Strait of Hormuz, with 93 crew members abandoned on nine ships without food, water, or pay. The UN High Commissioner for Human Rights, Volker Türk, called for urgent action to protect stranded seafarers and facilitate evacuations. The conflict began in late February after joint US-Israeli bombing of Iran and retaliatory strikes by Tehran. A ceasefire announced in April collapsed this month over violations surrounding the Strait of Hormuz.