The Ministry of Foreign Affairs said in a statement that Kuwait appreciated the Security Council members’ call for adherence to international law and relevant resolutions, particularly Resolution 2216, together with respect for Yemen’s sovereignty, independence and territorial unity. The ministry further rejected all actions that threaten regional security and the freedom of maritime navigation in a direct response to the August 7 statement. Kuwait reaffirmed its full solidarity with Saudi Arabia and its support for measures taken to protect Saudi sovereignty and security, according to the ministry’s announcement.
Support for Yemen’s legitimate government formed another pillar of the Kuwaiti position, the ministry stated, as it renewed backing for the efforts of the UN Secretary-General’s Special Envoy to achieve peace, security and stability across the country. The UN Special Envoy has continued to push for de-escalation, with a July 2026 Security Council briefing underscoring the urgency of restraint amid renewed tensions. Such diplomatic endeavors build on years of UN-led initiatives aimed at resolving the protracted conflict.
The Security Council statement addressed recent Houthi missile attacks against Saudi territory and commercial shipping, aligning with a pattern of condemnations that includes Resolution 2826 adopted in July 2026 to extend reporting mandates on such incidents. United Nations records document repeated calls for the Houthis to cease actions that endanger civilian vessels and violate freedom of navigation. A UN assessment in mid-2026 noted ongoing threats even as some periods saw reduced direct attacks.
Disruptions from Houthi activities have significantly altered Red Sea shipping patterns, with United Nations reports placing daily traffic through the Bab el-Mandeb strait at approximately 31 vessels as of May 2026 compared with a pre-crisis average of 75. The International Maritime Organization data cited in UN updates shows vessels rerouting around the Cape of Good Hope, adding between 10 and 14 days to Asia-Europe voyages and tying up an estimated 5 to 7 percent of the global container fleet on longer routes. Reuters ship-tracking analysis from July 2026 indicated multiple tankers altering courses near Saudi ports in response to fresh warnings.
Kuwait has maintained a consistent stance in support of UN mediation in Yemen, where the Gulf state previously hosted peace consultations that sought to bridge divisions among Yemeni parties. The ministry’s latest statement reflects this long-standing policy of backing legitimate authorities while opposing threats to neighboring states. Security Council Report forecasts from early August 2026 anticipated further briefings on the Yemen file, including input from the Special Envoy and humanitarian officials.
Recent UN briefings have highlighted the risk of wider escalation, with officials stressing that Houthi actions undermine both regional stability and global trade flows through vital maritime chokepoints. The Kuwaiti position, as outlined by the ministry, integrates these concerns into a broader framework that prioritizes diplomatic resolutions and respect for established resolutions. Such coordinated international responses have formed the basis for ongoing efforts to curb threats to commercial navigation and sovereign territories alike.
