Iran Refutes Assistance Claims to Yemen’s Houthis Amid U.S. Airstrikes

Iran has denied involvement with Yemen’s Houthi rebels following U.S. airstrikes that killed at least 31 individuals. The strikes occurred amidst renewed Houthi threats against international shipping and after Trump warned of consequences for Iran’s actions. The Houthis previously targeted vessels in solidarity with Palestinians, with tensions escalating after Israel’s blockade on Gaza.

On Sunday, Iran dismissed allegations of providing assistance to Yemen’s Houthi rebels following a series of airstrikes by the United States. These strikes were initiated after President Donald Trump indicated that Iran would face accountability for the rebels’ actions. The Houthi-run Health Ministry reported at least 31 fatalities, including women and children, and over 100 injuries from the strikes, which specifically targeted residences in northern Saada province.

The Houthis have frequently engaged in attacks on international maritime vessels in the Red Sea, launching missiles and drones at Israel as expressions of solidarity with Palestinians amidst the conflict involving Hamas. While these attacks ceased during a temporary ceasefire in Gaza, the Houthis threatened to renew them after Israel restricted humanitarian aid this month.

U.S. officials, alongside other nations, have long alleged that Iran supplies military support to the Houthis. Furthermore, the U.S. Navy has intercepted Iranian-made munitions purportedly destined for the rebel group, which maintains control over Yemen’s capital, Sanaa, and the northern regions of the country.

General Hossein Salami from Iran’s Revolutionary Guard vehemently denied any involvement in Houthi aggression, asserting that Iran does not dictate the operational decisions of allied militant groups across the region. Additionally, Iranian Foreign Minister Abbas Araghchi urged the United States to cease its military actions and articulated that the U.S. cannot impose its foreign policy on Iran.

In a stark warning, Trump declared his intent to employ “overwhelming lethal force” in response to Houthi threats targeting shipping lanes. The airstrikes were executed shortly after the Houthis had announced plans to recommence hostilities against Israeli maritime vessels in retaliation against Israel’s blockade on Gaza. Prior to this intervention, the Houthis had conducted extensive operations against over 100 commercial vessels, resulting in the destruction of two ships and the loss of four sailors’ lives since the onset of the Israel-Hamas conflict in October 2023.

While the United States, Israel, and Britain have previously conducted strikes on Houthi-controlled areas in Yemen, this operation was exclusively executed by the United States, marking the initial engagement with the Houthis during President Trump’s second term.

In conclusion, the recent developments highlight Iran’s staunch denial of allegations regarding military support for the Houthis in light of U.S. airstrikes following President Trump’s threats. Reports reveal significant casualties during the strikes, which targeted rebel territories amid ongoing tensions surrounding Houthi maritime aggression against Israel. The geopolitical implications of this conflict remain critical as both the Houthis and Iran assert their positions amid increased military actions.

Original Source: www.usnews.com