Dubai — Saudi Arabia, the United Arab Emirates, the United Kingdom and the US expressed concern over escalating tensions in the region and the dangers posed by Iranian destabilizing activity to peace and security in Yemen and the region, including attacks on the oil tankers at Fujairah and in the Gulf of Oman.

In a statement they said the attacks threaten the international waterways.

Ships and their crews must be allowed to pass through international waters safely, they said, adding, “We call on Iran to halt any further actions which threaten regional stability, and urge diplomatic solutions to de-escalate tensions.”

“We further note with concern the recent escalation in Houthi attacks on Saudi Arabia using Iranian made and facilitated missiles and Unmanned Aerial Vehicles.

“In particular, we condemn the Houthi attack on Abha civilian airport on June 12, which injured 26 civilians. We express full support for Saudi Arabia and call for an immediate end to such attacks by the Iranian-backed Houthis,” the statement said.

The Quad members expressed concern that the World Food Program has been forced to suspend food deliveries to Sanaa due to Houthi interference in aid delivery.

“We call on the Houthis to immediately end all restrictions on aid agencies to ensure the delivery of life-saving assistance to those Yemenis most in need.

“We reiterate our commitment to the Yemeni peace process and relevant Security Council Resolutions, including UNSCR 2216. We express our full support for the UN Special Envoy Martin Griffiths. In this regard, we call on the Yemeni parties to engage constructively with the Special Envoy to accelerate implementation of the agreements reached in Stockholm. We call on the Houthis to facilitate full and unhindered access for UNMHA, UNDP and UNVIM.

“We call on the Yemeni parties to participate constructively in the joint Redeployment Coordination Committee to accelerate implementation of the Hodeidah Agreement, which includes agreeing the Concept of Operations and tripartite monitoring, as well as engaging constructively on local security issues. We call on the Houthis to withdraw fully from the ports of Hodeidah, Ras Issa and Saleef. We look to the Security Council to review progress when they meet on 17 July.”

The Quad nations noted that implementation of the Stockholm Agreement will give the opportunity to start a comprehensive political process which can lead to an enduring political settlement that will end the conflict in Yemen. — SG