The United Kingdom told the UN Security Council that Gulf states and the wider region have faced repeated Iranian attacks throughout 2026, targeting civilian areas, critical infrastructure, and vital economic assets. The UK called on Iran to stop the attacks, reopen the Strait of Hormuz, and cease support for destabilising proxies, including Iranian-aligned groups in Iraq.

The UK said disruption to maritime routes has consequences for global trade, energy, and food security, with the most vulnerable bearing the greatest cost. It commended Qatar and other mediators working to avoid further escalation.

On Yemen, the UK said the Houthis' decision to resume conflict has displaced more than 340,000 people and driven food prices up by at least 50% in Taiz, leaving hospitals short of fuel and medicine. The UK condemned the death of UN employee Mohammad al-Shami in Houthi detention and echoed the Secretary-General's call for an immediate and impartial investigation. It called for the uncondi