Iran’s Supreme Leader Condemns U.S. Strikes on Houthis as Regional Tensions Escalate

Iran’s Supreme Leader Ayatollah Ali Khamenei condemned U.S. strikes on Yemen as a “crime that must be stopped,” amid escalating regional tensions. Khamenei accused the U.S. of facilitating Israeli airstrikes on Gaza and voiced support for the Houthis. The situation could lead to further U.S. military actions, increasing the risk of regional conflict as humanitarian crises deepen.

Iran’s Supreme Leader, Ayatollah Ali Khamenei, has condemned recent U.S. military strikes in Yemen, denouncing them as a “crime that must be stopped.” In a video message, he criticized the attacks targeting the Houthi militia and expressed concerns about escalating tensions in the region amidst renewed Israeli airstrikes on Gaza and Houthi threats against Israeli-linked shipping.

The conflict in Yemen reflects a broader struggle between U.S. allies and Iran’s regional proxies, with the Houthis threatening Red Sea shipping and the U.S. responding with military action. Khamenei’s remarks highlight Iran’s support for the Houthis and its disapproval of U.S. intervention in the region.

In his statement, Khamenei accused the United States of facilitating Israeli airstrikes on Gaza, suggesting that these actions occurred with U.S. “permission, or support and green light.” He urged global “freedom-seekers” to unite against Israel and condemned U.S. military actions in Yemen as “war crimes” in conjunction with Israel’s actions in Gaza.

The recent U.S. strikes resulted in the deaths of several high-ranking Houthi officials, with reports indicating at least 53 fatalities and nearly 100 injuries. This military action marks the first instance of U.S. involvement in Yemen since President Donald Trump assumed office.

The Houthis, part of the so-called “axis of resistance” against Israel and the U.S., have pledged to intensify attacks against Israeli-associated vessels in retaliation for the blockade of aid to Gaza, echoing their earlier disruptions to shipping lanes in the Red Sea.

As the humanitarian situation in Gaza worsens due to increased Israeli airstrikes, Khamenei labeled these actions as a “catastrophic crime,” holding Washington accountable for its support of Israel’s military endeavors. Given the escalating tensions, future U.S. military responses to Houthi threats are anticipated, raising the likelihood of broader regional conflict.

In conclusion, the recent U.S. military strikes on Houthis in Yemen have incited strong condemnation from Iran’s Supreme Leader, manifesting ongoing regional tensions. Khamenei’s accusations against the U.S. highlight the interconnectedness of conflicts in Yemen and Gaza, while the Houthis’ threats to disrupt trading routes pose potential risks for further military engagements. The situation remains precarious, necessitating careful observation of subsequent developments.

Original Source: www.newsweek.com