US seeks stronger UN powers to intercept Red Sea shipments to Yemen’s Houthis

Smoke rising from an oil tanker in the Red Sea. It is estimated the Houthis have mounted 320 attacks since November 2003. Photograph: Eunavfor Aspides Handout/EPA

The US is seeking global support to give the UN clearer powers to interdict ships in the Red Sea heading for Houthi-controlled Yemen ports, as part of a concerted attempt to weaken the Iranian-backed group, according to the US special envoy.

It is also considering redesignating the Houthis as a terrorist group, a move that would make it more difficult for humanitarian organisations to operate inside the Houthi-controlled parts of Yemen.