Sanaa FM urges EU states to avoid military escalation, warns against sea militarization

SANAA, April 07 (YPA) – The Sanaa-based Ministry of Foreign Affairs and Expatriates has commented on the recent decisions of the Council of Europe, particularly the modification of the mandates of the two EU maritime operations, “Aspides” and “Atalanta.”

In a statement, the ministry emphasized that protecting maritime routes and global trade cannot be ensured by militarizing seas and oceans or expanding foreign military presence. Rather, it said, sustainable security lies in addressing the underlying causes of the threats to these routes.

The statement warned that US-Israeli aggression against Iran and countries in the region has posed a serious risk to international navigation and trade, while also negatively impacting global supply chains, energy prices, and maritime insurance.

It added that ensuring freedom of navigation in seas and straits is primarily the responsibility of coastal states, cautioning also that foreign military presence and further militarization would only deepen tensions and instability, urging that past failed approaches should be reconsidered rather than expanded.

The ministry’s statement also called on European countries not to become involved in any aggression against Iran or other regional states, warning against being drawn into a broader conflict.

It further clarified that the United States had failed to achieve its objectives in its actions against Iran and had incurred significant losses.

The statement reiterated its warning that any European involvement could lead to internal consequences, arguing that such a conflict would not serve Europe’s interests and could have adverse effects domestically.

AA