Houthis Remain Defiant Against US Pressure and Iranian Appeals

The Houthis in Yemen refuse to reduce military operations against Israeli shipping despite US demands and Iranian appeals. Their foreign minister, Jamal Amer, stated that they view escalating tensions as necessary for self-defense. The group resumed attacks in solidarity with Gaza Palestinians after a pause, emphasizing independence from Iranian directives while facing significant US military involvement.

The Houthis in Yemen have expressed their unwillingness to reduce their military actions against Israeli shipping in the Red Sea, despite pressure from the United States or appeals from Iran, as stated by their foreign minister, Jamal Amer. He provided this declaration following a series of US airstrikes in Yemen’s Houthi-controlled regions, coinciding with the group’s resumed attacks on maritime routes in support of Palestinians in Gaza.

Iranian officials reportedly conveyed messages to the Houthis to de-escalate tensions, both verbally through the Houthi envoy in Tehran and via a request made to Oman by Iran’s foreign minister. Nonetheless, the Houthis maintain that their strategic decisions are independent. US President Donald Trump has asserted that Iran will be held accountable for any Houthi actions.

In his commentary, Amer emphasized the group’s resolve not to lessen their operations until the blockade on Gaza is lifted. He reinforced the notion that while Iran may facilitate dialogue, it does not dictate Houthi strategies. He criticized US strikes on Yemen, declaring that their situation warrants self-defense, indicating further escalation remains probable.

As tensions rise, Iran is reportedly concerned about becoming more deeply involved in the conflict with the United States. The ongoing hostility escalated recently when the US increased sanctions against Iran, following Trump’s withdrawal from the multilateral nuclear agreement in 2015. Amer remarked on this dynamic, suggesting retaliatory measures could be considered.

While Iran supports the Houthis, the latter assert their autonomy, asserting alignment with Tehran without being mere proxies. Analysts note that the Houthis focus primarily on domestic governance issues amid years of civil war, which has allowed them to expand their influence. Recently, they resumed assaults on Israeli vessels after the expiration of a self-imposed deadline concerning the Gaza blockade.

Since November 2023, the Houthis have conducted over 100 strikes on shipping routes, claiming solidarity with Palestinians. Their operations briefly halted during a ceasefire, reacting subsequently as hostilities erupted again. Amer clarified that the group’s objectives are solely to target Israeli ships, asserting their right to retaliate against US actions that escalate the conflict.

The US’s military engagement includes extensive strikes across Yemen, leading to numerous casualties and widespread destruction. Despite pressures from some European Union nations urging the Houthis to de-escalate, the group remains steadfast in its commitment to its objectives regarding Israeli interests.

Amer acknowledged that Saudi Arabia has refrained from military involvement thus far, a situation welcomed by the Houthis, who fear that Gulf nations could find themselves embroiled in conflict if they intervene. He affirmed that any offensive actions against the Houthis would provoke an escalation, although neutrality could keep tensions at bay.

In summation, the Houthis remain resolute in their military stance against Israeli shipping, disregarding both US pressure and Iranian appeals, as articulated by their foreign minister. The group’s activities have intensified in the face of escalatory US actions in Yemen, and they assert their right to self-defense while framing their targets strictly as Israeli interests. This dynamic, intertwined with regional geopolitics, underscores the potential for further conflict if retaliatory measures are taken. The situation emphasizes the delicate balance of power in the region, influenced significantly by both internal and external actors.

Original Source: www.newarab.com