MANAMA, Bahrain — November 1, 2026

Yemen has called for stronger international support to restore its state institutions, warning that lasting security in the Middle East and the wider region cannot be achieved without a stable and sovereign Yemen.

Speaking at the Manama Dialogue 2026 in Bahrain on October Yemeni Foreign Minister Dr. Afrah Abdulaziz Al-Zouba outlined her country’s concerns over armed groups, foreign interference and growing threats to international shipping routes.

She argued that the consequences of Yemen’s political and military crisis extend far beyond its borders, affecting neighbouring countries, maritime navigation and international trade.

Four Priorities for Regional Security

During her address, Al-Zouba identified four major foundations for sustainable regional security.

The first is respect for national sovereignty and the restoration of effective government institutions. She said that lasting stability would remain difficult while armed groups operate outside state authority and influence national decisions.

The second priority is diplomacy. The minister called for dialogue, preventive diplomacy and regional cooperation to manage disagreements without allowing them to develop into wider conflicts.

Her third priority was a broader understanding of security. She said regional stability should include economic development, energy and food security, civilian protection, reliable public services and efforts to combat terrorism and smuggling.

The fourth priority focused on protecting maritime corridors and international trade routes.

Bab al-Mandab and Red Sea Shipping Under Pressure

Yemen occupies a strategically important position near the Bab al-Mandab Strait, which connects the Red Sea with the Gulf of Aden and is a major route for international commercial shipping.

Al-Zouba said maritime security could not be separated from conditions inside Yemen. She called for stronger coastal security, improved regional intelligence cooperation and measures to prevent weapons and financial support from reaching armed groups.

She also argued that protecting international shipping requires addressing the sources of insecurity rather than relying only on military measures at sea.

Concerns Over Taiz and Civilian Protection

The minister highlighted the humanitarian situation in Taiz, accusing Houthi forces of maintaining a siege that restricts residents’ access to essential supplies.

She described the restrictions as a war crime and called for the immediate lifting of the siege and the permanent, safe reopening of roads.

Al-Zouba also urged the United Nations to support an investigation into field reports alleging the use of projectiles suspected of containing toxic substances. The allegation requires independent investigation and verification.

Call for International Cooperation

The Yemeni government is seeking diplomatic, institutional and security assistance from its international partners to strengthen state authority and improve the country’s ability to protect its territory and coastline.

Al-Zouba stressed that Yemen was not asking other countries to fight on its behalf. Instead, she called for practical support, enforcement of the arms embargo and measures to stop the flow of weapons and financing to armed groups.

Her remarks placed Yemen’s internal stability at the centre of a wider regional security discussion involving the Red Sea, the Gulf of Aden and international trade.

A Wider Challenge for the Region

The Manama Dialogue brought together policymakers and security experts to discuss regional challenges and possible approaches to cooperation.

Yemen’s message was clear: protecting maritime routes and preventing further regional instability will require more than securing waterways. It will also require addressing the political, institutional and humanitarian problems within Yemen itself.

Whether international partners translate these concerns into concrete action remains uncertain. However, the country’s strategic location means that developments inside Yemen will continue to have implications for regional security and global commerce.