What sanctions did Korean Ambassador Cha Ji-hoon urge the UN Security Council to impose on the Houthis?

Cha Ji-hoon called on the U.N. Security Council to strengthen sanctions that would effectively cut off weapons supplies to Yemen’s Houthi rebels. He made the appeal during a Security Council debate on the Middle East.

Why did Cha Ji-hoon raise concerns about the Strait of Hormuz?

Cha raised concerns about continued threats to freedom of navigation in the Strait of Hormuz, a strategically important waterway. He said attacks on merchant vessels and unauthorized tolls or discriminatory charges as conditions for peace were inconsistent with international law.

Korean envoy condemns Houthi attacks, urges tougher UN sanctions

Q: How severe were the recent attacks on King Khalid International Airport in Riyadh?

The first strike killed 13 people and injured more than 300, while a second attack the following day killed one person and wounded 11. The two consecutive attacks further escalated tensions in the Middle East.

Listen

Summary

Korean Ambassador to the United Nations Cha Ji-hoon condemned Houthi attacks on civilian infrastructure and commercial shipping in the Red Sea during a Security Council debate on the Middle East Thursday. He urged the council to strengthen sanctions to cut off weapons supplies to the Houthis, warning of risks to global peace, maritime security and energy supplies. Cha also called for safe navigation through the Strait of Hormuz and compliance with the Gaza peace plan.

Key Facts

Two consecutive strikes on King Khalid International Airport in Riyadh last week killed 13 people and injured more than 300 in the first attack, while the second killed one person and wounded 11.
The Seoul foreign ministry condemned the attacks on Wednesday, calling attacks on civilians and civilian infrastructure absolutely unacceptable.
Cha said attacks on merchant vessels and unauthorized tolls or discriminatory charges imposed as conditions for peace violate international law.
Cha urged the unhindered delivery of humanitarian assistance to Gaza and an end to hostilities in Lebanon.

By Yonhap

Published Oct 17, 2026 1:23 am KST
Updated Oct 17, 2026 11:30 am KST

Korean Ambassador to the United Nations Cha Ji-hoon speaks during a parliamentary audit at the country's U.N. mission in New York, Thursday. Yonhap

WASHINGTON — Korea has condemned recent deadly attacks by Yemen's Houthi rebels targeting civilian infrastructure and threatening commercial shipping in the Red Sea, calling on the U.N. Security Council to strengthen sanctions to cut off weapons supplies to the group.

Korean Ambassador to the United Nations Cha Ji-hoon made the remarks during a Security Council debate on the Middle East held Thursday, warning that the attacks pose serious threats to global peace, maritime security and energy supplies.

"We condemn such attacks and urge an immediate halt to all attacks against civilians," Cha said during the debate. "We call on this council to strengthen sanctions, to effectively cut off the supply of weapons to the Houthis."

Cha said the Houthis' recent attacks targeting civilian infrastructure and threats to commercial navigation in the Red Sea were posing "severe risks to global peace as well as maritime and energy security."

The attacks included two consecutive strikes on King Khalid International Airport in Riyadh last week, further escalating tensions in the Middle East.

The first, on Saturday, killed 13 people and injured more than 300, while a second attack the following day killed one person and wounded 11, according to foreign media reports.

The Seoul foreign ministry also condemned the attacks on Wednesday, saying that "attacks on civilians and civilian infrastructure are absolutely unacceptable."

Cha also expressed concern over continued threats to freedom of navigation in the Strait of Hormuz, calling for renewed diplomatic efforts to ensure safe passage through the strategically important waterway.

"Attacks against merchant vessels and the imposition of unauthorized tolls and discriminatory charges as conditions of peace are not acceptable and inconsistent with international law," the ambassador said.

Addressing broader instability in the Middle East, Cha urged all parties to uphold their commitments under the Gaza peace plan, ensure the unhindered delivery of humanitarian assistance to Gaza and cease hostilities in Lebanon.

Explore More