Iran Refutes Allegations of Support for Houthis Following U.S. Airstrikes

Iran denies aiding Houthi rebels after U.S. airstrikes, which killed 31 and left over 100 injured. Trump warns Iran will be ‘fully accountable’ for Houthi actions. The Houthis, who have attacked international shipping and threatened renewed strikes, may escalate tensions in response to Israel’s blockade in Gaza.

On Sunday, Iran refuted claims of supporting Yemen’s Houthi rebels following a series of U.S. airstrikes targeting the group. President Donald Trump has insisted that Tehran will be considered ‘fully accountable’ for the actions of the Houthis. Reports from the Houthi-controlled Health Ministry indicate that these strikes resulted in the deaths of at least 31 individuals, including women and children, with over 100 others wounded. One airstrike reportedly struck two residences in northern Saada province, causing fatalities among children and a woman, as broadcasted by Al-Masirah TV.

The Houthis have a history of attacking international shipping in the Red Sea, alongside missile and drone strikes aimed at Israel, which they portray as solidarity with Palestinian efforts amidst the ongoing Israel-Hamas conflict. A temporary ceasefire in Gaza in January reduced such attacks, but the Houthis have threatened to resume hostilities in response to Israel’s recent humanitarian blockade.

The U.S. has long held Iran responsible for providing military support to the Houthis, illustrated by naval seizures of Iranian weaponry allegedly intended for the group, which governs Yemen’s capital, Sanaa. Gen. Hossein Salami, the commander of Iran’s Revolutionary Guard, refuted accusations of Iranian involvement, asserting that the country does not dictate the operational policies of allied militant organizations.

Iranian Foreign Minister Abbas Araghchi called for the U.S. to cease its airstrikes, emphasizing that Washington has no authority to influence Iran’s foreign affairs. Trump has warned of employing ‘overwhelming lethal force’ against the Houthis unless they halt attacks on shipping in critical maritime corridors.

The recent U.S. airstrikes are notable as they mark the first military operation against the Houthis during the second Trump administration, occurring shortly after the militant group indicated plans to resume assaults on Israeli vessels in retaliation for Israel’s blockade of Gaza. Since the ceasefire commenced in January, the Houthis have been inactive, despite previously targeting over 100 merchant ships with a high rate of missile and drone assaults that resulted in casualties among sailors and the sinking of vessels.

In summary, Iran has firmly denied allegations of supporting Yemen’s Houthi rebels following U.S. airstrikes that have resulted in multiple casualties. The Houthis, known for their aggression towards international maritime targets and support for Palestinian causes, remain a point of contention in U.S.-Iran relations. With the U.S. emphasizing its stance on accountability, the escalating situation necessitates close observation to gauge future developments in the region.

Original Source: www.ksat.com