Statement by H.E. Sanita Pavļuta-Deslandes | UNSC Meeting on Middle East (Yemen)
13 July, 2026
Thank you, Mr President,
I also thank the Assistant Secretary-General Khaled Khiari and OCHA acting Assistant Secretary-General Indrika Ratwatte for their updates, and I welcome the participation of the Permanent Representative of Yemen in today’s meeting.
Mr President,
Iranian civilian aircrafts reportedly entering into Yemeni airspace and subsequently landing at Sanaa International Airport, and followed by similar landing in Hodeidah today, without the authorization of the internationally recognized Government of Yemen, represents a flagrant violation of the sovereignty of the Republic of Yemen and a blatant challenge to international law and the relevant resolutions of this Council.
Such actions are contrary to the principles that are essential to the security of all UN member states. Respect for sovereignty is not optional; it is the cornerstone of the Charter of the United Nations.
Unfortunately, these actions by Iran demonstrate a deliberate pattern of conduct that undermines international peace and security. Iran has failed to meet its binding non-proliferation obligations, instead continuing its efforts to destabilize the wider region.
Iran continues to threaten its neighbouring states and has repeatedly targeted their civilian infrastructure with unprovoked strikes, including strikes carried out well after the signing of the Memorandum of Understanding on the cessation of hostilities, which this Council thoroughly condemned at our meeting just two weeks ago.
Iran has also continued its attempts to hold an international waterway hostage, in clear violation of the United Nations Convention on the Law of the Sea. Not only is Iran purposefully risking the energy and food security of the world, but it is also demonstrating its unlawful intent through continued threats and strikes against commercial shipping.
Moreover, Latvia is deeply concerned by Iran’s continued support for the Houthis, including the transfer of weapons, military technology, and other forms of assistance in violation of the Security Council's resolutions, as repeatedly documented by the Panel of Experts of the 2140 Sanctions Committee. Iran’s support continues to undermine peace efforts in Yemen, fuel regional instability, and enable attacks against international shipping and neighbouring States.
We call on Iran to fully comply with its obligations under the relevant Security Council resolutions and to refrain from any action that could further undermine efforts toward a comprehensive political settlement in Yemen.
We further unequivocally condemn the Houthis continued threats to freedom of navigation, destabilising actions against its neighbours, detention of UN and humanitarian personnel and their persistent disregard for efforts to advance a peaceful resolution of the conflict in Yemen.
The people of Yemen have endured years of devastating conflict and humanitarian suffering. They have borne the greatest burden of this crisis, and any further prolongation of instability will continue to fall primarily on their shoulders. In light of the latest developments, we call on all parties to exercise maximum restraint, de-escalate tensions, and refrain from actions that could further aggravate the situation.
Mr President,
Yemenis deserve peace, stability, and the restoration of effective, sovereign governance across the entire country. This can only be achieved through an inclusive Yemeni-owned, Yemeni-led, and UN-facilitated political process.
In conclusion, I would like to once again reaffirm Latvia’s support for the unity, sovereignty, independence, and territorial integrity of Yemen and to reiterate our strong support for the efforts of Special Envoy Hans Grundberg.
I thank you.