United Nations — August 12, 2025
The situation in Yemen remains dangerously unstable, warned UN Special Envoy Hans Grundberg during a briefing to the Security Council on Tuesday. He urged member states to intensify support for de-escalation efforts and push forward toward a nationwide ceasefire.
Grundberg highlighted three urgent priorities: reducing frontline violence, advancing political dialogue based on the December 2023 Roadmap, and strengthening regional cooperation to prevent Yemen from being further drawn into Middle East conflicts.
Recent clashes in Sa’adah and military buildups near Hudaydah have raised alarms, while cross-border attacks and maritime tensions linked to the Gaza crisis have complicated peace efforts. Grundberg emphasized the importance of the UN-facilitated Military Coordination Committee in managing these risks.
He also called attention to economic instability, warning against unilateral moves like the Houthis’ issuance of new currency, which could undermine national financial systems. The envoy welcomed recent steps by Yemen’s Central Bank to stabilize the currency but stressed the need for coordinated action.
Finally, Grundberg urged international partners to reinforce Red Sea security and uphold the UN arms embargo, framing these efforts as essential to regional peace.
The Security Council is expected to continue discussions on Yemen’s future in the coming weeks, as the country teeters between fragile progress and renewed conflict.