On December 16, 2024, Sultan al-Arada, a member of Yemen's Presidential Leadership Council, emphasized the need for a unified international response to the ongoing threats posed by the Houthi movement, which is classified as a terrorist organization. His remarks came during a meeting with U.S. Ambassador to Yemen Stephen Fagin, where they discussed the latest developments in Yemen and collaborative efforts to address current challenges.

According to the state-run Yemeni news agency Saba, al-Arada highlighted the political and military updates in Yemen, stressing the importance of strengthening cooperation between Yemen and the United States in economic, developmental, and humanitarian areas. He urged for expanded international support to enable the Yemeni government to better serve its people, alleviate their suffering, and improve their economic conditions.

The meeting also addressed the ongoing escalation by the Iranian-backed Houthis, which threatens maritime navigation in the Red Sea and Arabian Gulf, and disrupts the political resolution process. Al-Arada called for a "more stringent international approach" towards the Houthis, advocating for sanctions against their leaders and supporters, and efforts to cut off funding sources while pursuing networks involved in arms and drug trafficking.

He warned that previous lenient international stances had emboldened the militia to intensify its attacks on commercial vessels, thus posing a direct threat to international maritime security and regional stability. Humantarian concerns were also raised, with al-Arada noting the dire humanitarian situation faced by the Yemeni people due to over 11 years of conflict instigated by the Houthi militia, compounded by blatant Iranian interference that prolongs the crisis and undermines stability. He called on the international community, especially the United States, to provide urgent humanitarian aid and contribute to reconstruction projects, which are vital for long-term stability in Yemen.

Ambassador Stephen Fagin reiterated the U.S. commitment to supporting the Yemeni people and collaborating with regional and international partners to tackle these challenges, stressing that Yemen's security and stability remain a priority in U.S. policy towards the region.