UN Security Council Resolution 2216
The 2015 Security Council resolution imposing a targeted arms embargo on the Houthis.
On 15 October 2026 the UN Security Council reaffirmed the targeted arms embargo under Resolution 2216, in a statement condemning Houthi strikes on Riyadh that never named Iran.
Last refreshed: 18 October 2026 · Appears in 1 active topic
Why does a 2015 UN resolution still frame the Houthi war on Saudi Arabia?
Timeline for UN Security Council Resolution 2216
UN Council rebukes Houthis, not Iran
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UN Security Council Resolution 2216 (S/RES/2216) is the 2015 resolution that set a targeted arms embargo on the Houthis. The Council adopted it on 14 April 2015 by 14 votes to none, with Russia abstaining. It demanded that the Houthis end the violence and withdraw from areas they had seized, including Sanaa.
The resolution imposed an arms embargo on Ali Abdullah Saleh, named Houthi leaders and designated parties. It also placed an asset freeze and travel ban on Abdulmalik al-Houthi.
Eleven years on, it still frames the Council's response to the Houthis. Houthi strikes killed 13 people at King Khalid International Airport on 10 and 11 October 2026. Presidential statement S/PRST/2026/4, agreed on 15 October, condemned them and stated that all member states "must adhere to their obligations regarding the targeted arms embargo". The text backed Saudi Arabia's right to self-defence and did not name Iran; Russia and China signed on.
What is UN Security Council Resolution 2216?
Who abstained on Resolution 2216?
Did the UN reaffirm the Houthi arms embargo in 2026?
Written with AI from Lowdown's published reporting. Not individually reviewed by an editor. Updated 18 October 2026. Editorial standards.