The United States warned today that aid must flow through the Yemeni port of Hodeida amid reports that Emirati forces plan to seize it from Huthi rebels.
The statement by Secretary of State Mike Pompeo stopped short of warning the Saudi and UAE-led coalition against besieging the key city.
But he urged them to support United Nations peace efforts. The UN humanitarian coordinator for Yemen has warned such an attack would be a "catastrophe." Pompeo said the United States is "closely following developments" in Hodeida, home to 600,000 people and the point of entry of 70 percent of Yemen's imports.
"I have spoken with Emirati leaders and made clear our desire to address their security concerns while preserving the free flow of humanitarian aid and life-saving commercial imports," he said.
"We expect all parties to honor their commitments to work with the UN Office of the Special Envoy of the Secretary General for Yemen on this issue, support a political process to resolve this conflict, ensure humanitarian access to the Yemeni people, and map a stable political future for Yemen."