Iran Denies Support to Houthi Rebels Amid U.S. Airstrikes and Tensions

Iran has denied providing assistance to Yemen’s Houthi rebels following U.S. airstrikes that resulted in significant civilian casualties. The U.S. holds Iran accountable for the Houthis’ actions amidst ongoing conflict in Gaza. Former President Trump has vowed strong military responses until attacks on international shipping cease. The strikes mark a notable escalation in U.S. military involvement against the Houthis during the current administration.

On Sunday, Iran firmly denied allegations of assisting Yemen’s Houthi rebels following U.S. airstrikes against the group. President Donald Trump stated Tehran would be “fully accountable” for the Houthis’ actions, which resulted in significant civilian casualties, including 31 fatalities and over 100 injuries, according to the Houthi-run Health Ministry. The strikes reportedly targeted residential areas in northern Saada province, and the rebels claimed to show evidence of the attacks on Al-Masirah TV.

The Houthis have engaged in actions against international shipping in the Red Sea and have launched missiles and drones at Israel, declaring these acts in solidarity with Palestinians amid ongoing conflict in Gaza. These U.S. airstrikes represent one of the most substantial military actions targeting the Houthis since the outbreak of the Gaza war in October 2023. National Security Adviser Michael Waltz noted that the strikes successfully eliminated several Houthi leaders.

Following a temporary ceasefire between Israel and Hamas in January, Houthi attacks had ceased, but they announced intentions to renew aggression against Israeli vessels after recent changes to humanitarian aid in Gaza. Despite these announcements, no new attacks have been reported from the Houthis since.

The U.S. government has long accused Iran of supplying military support to the Houthis, citing seizures of Iranian-made weaponry intended for the group. Iran’s Revolutionary Guard leader, Gen. Hossein Salami, insisted the country does not influence the operational decisions of allied militant groups in the region.

Iran’s Foreign Minister Abbas Araghchi condemned the U.S. strikes in a post on X and emphasized that Iran’s foreign policy cannot be dictated by Washington. In response to the attacks on shipping, President Trump declared his intention to deploy “overwhelming lethal force” until Houthi threats cease. The Houthis have previously targeted over 100 merchant vessels, leading to notable casualties and damage.

The recent U.S. airstrikes, which were solely executed by the United States, marked a significant shift as they were the first strikes against the Houthis in the current Trump administration. These actions further complicate the geopolitical landscape in the region, particularly concerning U.S-Iran relations and the ongoing conflict in Yemen.

In summary, Iran’s rejection of aiding the Houthi rebels comes amidst significant U.S. military actions that have raised tensions in the region. The Houthis’ previous assaults on shipping and their claims of solidarity with Palestinians reflect their ongoing role in regional conflicts. As the situation evolves, the responses from both Iran and the U.S. highlight the complexities of international relations and regional power dynamics.

Original Source: www.channel3000.com