G7 foreign ministers have condemned continued Houthi attacks on civilian shipping and Saudi Arabia, calling on the Iran-backed group to halt military operations and return to the political process.

In a joint statement issued Monday on the sidelines of the United Nations General Assembly, the foreign ministers of Britain, Canada, France, Germany, Italy, Japan and the United States urged the Houthis to “immediately cease all military actions, all threats and attacks against civilian shipping” and engage in negotiations in good faith.

The G7 also called on Iran to end its support for the Houthis, including the provision of weapons.

Meanwhile, British Prime Minister Andy Burnham said the United Kingdom would provide Saudi Arabia with limited and defensive military assistance following a request from Riyadh.

Burnham said the Royal Air Force would provide air-to-air refuelling support for Saudi aircraft as the kingdom responds to drone and missile attacks from Yemen. The mission is expected to begin within days and remain in place for a limited period, potentially lasting several weeks.

The operation will involve an RAF Voyager tanker and will be separate from the UK’s existing deployment of the Sky Sabre air-defense system in Saudi Arabia.

British officials said the mission is intended to assist Saudi aircraft in defending the country against incoming attacks rather than supporting offensive strikes against Houthi positions.

Burnham said the decision was aimed at protecting British interests and regional stability, as well as helping keep vital oil supply routes open.

The latest escalation follows the deterioration of a truce between the Houthis and Saudi Arabia. The Houthis have also threatened or targeted shipping connected to Saudi Arabia around the Bab el-Mandeb Strait and the Red Sea, one of the world's most important maritime trade routes.

Saudi Arabia has faced repeated drone and missile attacks attributed to the Houthis, including attacks on energy infrastructure. The escalation has raised renewed concerns over the security of regional shipping and global energy supplies.