Thursday briefing: Yemen’s war continues to threaten oil supplies– but what about its people?

• UN Secretary-General Antonio Guterres warned that geopolitical divides are currently preventing the UN Security Council from taking action on global crises. • Guterres called for urgent reform of the Security Council to address these divisions and improve its effectiveness.

• UN Secretary-General Antonio Guterres praised the BRICS New Delhi declaration for its commitment to the United Nations and multilateralism, which is the practice of multiple countries working together. • Guterres specifically highlighted the support for a UN-centered approach from major powers including China and Russia.

• UN Secretary-General Antonio Guterres called for urgent de-escalation and a return to diplomacy across the Middle East to protect civilians and humanitarian operations. • The appeal follows threats to oil supplies and disruptions to freedom of navigation in the Strait of Hormuz, the Red Sea, Yemen, and Gaza.

• Robert Kraft pledged to donate $2 million to Gaza following a challenge from the artist Macklemore. • The donation comes after Kraft barred Macklemore from Ed Sheeran’s tour due to the singer's pro-Palestinian remarks.

• United Nations Secretary-General Antonio Guterres called for urgent reforms to the Security Council on Wednesday to address its current state of paralysis. • Guterres stated that the conduct of permanent members has created an "environment of impunity" where powers violating international law sit on the body meant to maintain global peace.

• Houthi rebels in Yemen have advanced their positions, leading to Saudi counterstrikes and turning a vital Middle East shipping artery into a battlefield. • The conflict has resulted in extraordinary success for the rebels while causing severe humanitarian distress for Yemeni civilians.

• Global trade routes and infrastructure are transforming into geopolitical battlegrounds as logistics and chokepoints redefine the risks of globalization. • The shift means that political agreements between states no longer guarantee the physical security of infrastructure located thousands of kilometers away.

• Iran-backed Houthi rebels swept down the west coast of Yemen this month, gaining control of a strategic strait. • The U.N. Office for the Coordination of Humanitarian Affairs reported that 125,000 people have already been displaced by this latest round of conflict.

• Pakistan Prime Minister Shehbaz Sharif condemned an alleged drone attack attempt on Mecca and praised Saudi armed forces for stopping the strike. • The Prime Minister described the attempted attack as "dastardly and heinous" while the Houthis in Yemen denied any involvement.

• Houthi rebels intensified attacks recently, triggering alerts in Jeddah, Taif, and the holy city of Mecca. • The UN refugee agency reported on Tuesday that more than 100,000 people have been displaced within Yemen.

• Global leaders, including presidents and prime ministers, gather at the United Nations Headquarters in New York every September for the General Assembly High-Level Week. • The agenda focuses on specific global crises including climate change, pandemic preparedness, sea-level rise, and the fight against racism.

• Pope Francis welcomed a major pilgrimage from the Maronite Catholic Eparchy of Australia, New Zealand, and Oceania during a weekly general audience in September 2026. • The event included academic delegations alongside the religious pilgrims at the Vatican.