Iran Issues Retaliation Warning Following US Strikes on Houthis in Yemen

Iran’s Revolutionary Guard has warned of retaliation against US strikes targeting Houthis in Yemen, with officials denouncing the attacks as barbaric. President Trump threatened the Houthis to cease hostilities or face severe consequences, identifying Iran as responsible for their actions. The strikes have drawn international condemnation and raised tensions amid ongoing conflict in the region, largely influenced by the Israeli-Gaza war.

On Sunday, the Commander of Iran’s Revolutionary Guard, Hossein Salami, issued a stern warning regarding Iran’s potential retaliation in response to US airstrikes against Houthi targets in Yemen. Salami emphasized that the Houthis operate independently in terms of their strategic decisions, reflecting Iran’s support for the group amid ongoing tensions.

The background to this warning included President Trump’s recent threats, where he stated that the Houthis must cease their aggressions or risk facing severe repercussions. He also reaffirmed that Iran would be held responsible for its backing of the Houthis, marking a significant escalation in rhetoric from the US.

Following the strikes, which were condemned by Iran as “barbaric,” it was reported that these actions led to the deaths of at least 31 individuals, including women and children, according to the Houthi-controlled Ministry of Health. Iranian Foreign Ministry spokesperson Ismail Baghery labeled the US strikes a blatant violation of international law and the United Nations Charter.

In response to Trump’s demands for Iran to discontinue its support for the Houthis, Iranian Foreign Minister Abbas Araghchi asserted that the US possesses no authority to dictate Iran’s foreign policy. He took to social media to denounce not only the US actions but also the ongoing humanitarian crisis faced by Yemeni civilians.

The recent airstrikes were the first undertaken by the US against the Houthis following Trump’s inauguration and were characterized as part of a broader military initiative targeting Tehran-backed Houthi forces, who have control over significant regions in Yemen, including the capital, Sanaa.

Recent escalations have been attributed to the Houthis, who launched drone and missile attacks on vessels associated with Israel in solidarity with Palestinians, following the outbreak of the Israeli-Gaza conflict in October 2023. This ongoing conflict has resulted in substantial casualties and has led to an intensified military response from the US, UK, and Israel against the Houthis.

Overall, the current situation highlights the intricate geopolitical tensions surrounding the Houthi conflict and the increasingly complex dynamics involving US-Iran relations in the region.

The article outlines a series of escalating tensions following US airstrikes on Houthi positions in Yemen, prompting stern warnings from Iran regarding potential retaliation. Key figures, such as Hossein Salami and Abbas Araghchi, have expressed defiance against US dictates while condemning the airstrikes. The conflict is deeply intertwined with broader geopolitical matters, particularly the repercussions of the Israeli-Gaza war. This situation further complicates the relations among the US, Iran, and their respective allies and adversaries in the region.

Original Source: shafaq.com