Iran’s Influence Over Houthis Confirmed Amid U.S. Military Threats

Recent reports confirm that Iranian officials, including Ayatollah Khamenei, are actively commanding Houthi operations in Yemen. This involvement comes as Iran faces setbacks with its regional proxies and escalates U.S. responses to Houthi attacks. Ali Safavi of the NCRI stresses the urgent need for international support against the Iranian regime.

Recent investigations reveal that Iran is increasingly reliant on its influence over the Houthi group in Yemen, particularly following significant setbacks for Tehran’s proxy forces in the Middle East. Sources from Tehran assert that senior officials within Iran’s Islamic Revolutionary Guard Corps (IRGC) are directing Houthi operations, indicating direct involvement from Iranian Supreme Leader Ayatollah Ali Khamenei. These developments affirm President Donald Trump’s warnings regarding Iran’s support for Houthi activities.

The report, compiled by the Paris-based National Council of Resistance of Iran (NCRI), emphasizes that Khamenei personally oversees Houthi “political and military affairs.” This direct command includes the necessity of weapon shipments to bolster Houthi capabilities, as Iran’s regional influence wanes due to its struggles against Israel and the decline of allied regimes.

Following the Hamas attacks in October 2023, Houthi forces escalated maritime attacks, prompting U.S. military responses. President Trump promised to employ “overwhelming lethal force” against Houthi aggressions, making it clear that Iran would face accountability for its support of these attacks. The IRGC, specifically Brig. Gen. Abdolreza Shahlai, has been identified as overseeing all operational matters related to the Houthis, continuing Iran’s complex military engagement in Yemen.

Moreover, the Iranian Embassy in Yemen reportedly operates under Quds Force control with no verified involvement from the Iranian Foreign Ministry. Observers note that this highlights Iran’s persistent use of its embassies as operational hubs for its military endeavors abroad. Ali Safavi from the NCRI articulates the broader implications of Iran’s actions, calling for international support for the Iranian resistance against the regime, viewing it as vital to stability in the region.

In summary, the complex dynamics between Iran and the Houthi group reveal Tehran’s direct military and political oversight through its senior officials, including Ayatollah Khamenei. This increased involvement underscores Iran’s reliance on its proxies amid regional challenges and highlights the escalating responses from the U.S., including President Trump’s promise of severe military retaliation against ongoing Houthi threats. The situation calls for decisive international policy towards Iran to mitigate its destabilizing influence.

Original Source: www.foxnews.com