The United States has reiterated a strong warning to countries, businesses, and other entities against conducting business with ports under the control of the Iran-backed Houthis in Yemen. On  Wednesday, State Department spokesperson Tammy Bruce emphasized that providing support to the Houthi movement—designated as a terrorist organization by the U.S. and some other international actors—could constitute a violation of American law.

According to a State Department statement, Bruce cautioned that activities such as refueling or unloading vessels at Houthi-held ports could result in legal repercussions under U.S. legislation. The department underscored that the Houthis' actions pose a threat to civilians, U.S. personnel in the Middle East, regional partners, and the stability of global maritime trade.

This warning comes in the wake of reports alleging that a United Nations office in Djibouti may have permitted a fuel tanker to enter Ras Issa Port. This incident is being viewed by some as a potential breach of the U.S. ban on such activities, which was implemented on April 4, 2025.

Meanwhile, the U.S. Treasury Department, through its embassy in Yemen on "X", clarified that the imposed sanctions are intended to weaken Houthi capabilities that threaten the region while ensuring the continued flow of humanitarian assistance to the Yemeni population. The Treasury also announced new sanctions measures, effectively suspending previous authorizations for fuel imports into areas controlled by the Houthis. This development follows increasing attacks by the Houthi group on international shipping in the Red Sea and Gulf of Aden.