The U.S. State Department on Tuesday implemented the designation of Yemen’s Iran-aligned Houthi movement as a foreign terrorist organization (FTO), following President Donald Trump’s directive earlier this year.
Secretary of State Marco Rubio said the move was necessary as Houthi attacks threaten American personnel, regional security, and global maritime trade.
“The United States will not tolerate any country engaging with terrorist organizations like the Houthis in the name of practicing legitimate international business,” Rubio stated.
The designation raises fears of worsening Yemen’s humanitarian crisis, as aid groups warn that importers may avoid the country due to U.S. sanctions.
U.N. spokesperson Stephane Dujarric cautioned that limiting access to essential supplies could have “devastating humanitarian consequences” for 19 million Yemenis in need.
BIMCO security official Jakob Larsen warned the move could escalate regional tensions, affecting shipping routes in the Red Sea.
The Houthis, who control most of Yemen, have launched over 100 attacks since November 2023 on commercial ships and U.S. naval forces, claiming to act in solidarity with Palestinians in Gaza.
The group has sunk two vessels, seized another, and killed at least four seafarers.
They have also targeted Israel with missile and drone strikes.
In January, Houthi leaders warned they would resume attacks if an Israel-Hamas ceasefire failed.
The FTO designation marks a sharp policy shift. While Trump initially labeled the Houthis a terrorist group in 2021, former President Joe Biden reversed the decision, citing humanitarian concerns.
In 2023, Biden designated the Houthis as "Specially Designated Global Terrorists" (SDGT) but stopped short of the full FTO classification.
Now, under Trump’s directive, the harsher designation has been reinstated, imposing tougher economic penalties on the group.
With shipping disruptions ongoing and uncertainty over the Gaza ceasefire, experts warn the security situation in the Red Sea remains volatile.
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Polish police have launched an investigation after videos circulating online showed men in military-style uniforms patrolling Warsaw Central railway station and questioning people they believed to be foreigners.
The Governor of the Central Bank of Iran (CBI), Abdolnasser Hemmati, is visiting Russia to strengthen bilateral monetary and banking relations as Tehran and Moscow seek closer financial cooperation amid Western sanctions.
Britain has announced an additional £8 million ($11 million) to help Pakistan combat illegal migration, human trafficking and organised crime, while praising Islamabad's role in diplomacy that helped secure the recent U.S.-Iran agreement.
The Netherlands has announced a new €500 million military support package for Ukraine, focused on drones and air defence systems, as Western allies intensify efforts to strengthen Kyiv's position in its war against Russia.
Donald Trump has said the U.S. will resume bombing Iran if Tehran doesn't "behave," at the sidelines of the G7 summit in France. Earlier, the U.S. President criticised Israel for its tactics against Hezbollah, saying it was unnecessary to bomb entire apartment buildings to tackle militants.
A strong 6.7-magnitude earthquake struck Indonesia's Sulawesi island early Tuesday, killing at least one person and injuring four, according to emergency authorities.
U.S. President Donald Trump said a preliminary agreement to end the war in the Gulf has been signed by the U.S. and Iran, though details have yet to be made public and both countries said a permanent truce is yet to be negotiated.
Australia's weather bureau warned on Tuesday that an El Niño weather pattern has formed in the tropical Pacific and could intensify in the second half of 2026, becoming one of the strongest events recorded in seven decades.
Ukraine has said it struck an oil refinery in Russia’s Moscow region, marking one of the deepest reported attacks into Russian territory in recent months.
Polish police have launched an investigation after videos circulating online showed men in military-style uniforms patrolling Warsaw Central railway station and questioning people they believed to be foreigners.
The Netherlands has announced a new €500 million military support package for Ukraine, focused on drones and air defence systems, as Western allies intensify efforts to strengthen Kyiv's position in its war against Russia.
China has condemned new UK sanctions against two Chinese companies accused of supplying materials used by Russia's military, calling the measures illegal and warning of possible retaliation if they are not lifted.
The UK has secured more than £1.3 billion in new international investment for battery storage, energy infrastructure and technology projects, with major commitments from companies based in France and India.
U.S. President Donald Trump has warned that a preliminary agreement with Iran remains fragile, saying Washington could resume military action if Tehran fails to meet its commitments.
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