Iran’s Supreme Leader Denounces U.S. Strikes on Houthis as Crime Against Civilians

Ayatollah Ali Khamenei condemned U.S. strikes on Yemeni Houthis, deeming them a “crime that must be stopped” amid escalating regional tensions. The conflict in Yemen highlights the ongoing struggle between U.S. allies and Iranian proxies. Strikes have resulted in the deaths of Houthi officials, signaling increased military engagement that may further destabilize the Middle East.

Iran’s Supreme Leader, Ayatollah Ali Khamenei, has condemned United States military strikes on Yemen, labeling the actions a “crime that must be stopped.” Khamenei’s remarks came through a video statement, which criticized the strikes on the Houthi militia and warned against future military interventions. This response is set against a backdrop of heightened tensions in the region, primarily due to renewed Israeli airstrikes on Gaza and increased threats from the Houthis toward shipping linked to Israel.

The ongoing conflict in Yemen is indicative of the larger regional conflict between U.S.-backed forces and Iranian proxies. The Houthi attacks and subsequent U.S. military responses represent a critical flashpoint, potentially exacerbating instability in the Middle East. Khamenei’s statements reflect Iran’s unyielding support for the Houthis and condemnation of U.S. involvement.

In his statement, Khamenei accused the United States of facilitating Israeli military actions in Gaza, asserting that these attacks were conducted with “U.S. permission, or support and green light.” In conjunction with the Persian New Year, Khamenei called upon “freedom-seekers around the world” to unite against Israel, while Iran’s foreign ministry condemned the U.S. strikes as “war crimes” in alignment with Israel’s military operations in Gaza.

The United States confirmed that its recent military actions in Yemen resulted in the deaths of several high-ranking Houthi officials, with Houthi health ministry sources reporting at least 53 fatalities and nearly 100 injuries. These strikes signify the first U.S. military engagement in Yemen since the onset of President Donald Trump’s administration.

The Houthis declared their intention to resume attacks on Israeli-linked vessels in retaliation for Israel’s blockade of humanitarian aid to Gaza. This group is integral to Iran’s “axis of resistance” against U.S. and Israeli forces and had previously disrupted shipping in the Red Sea amid the conflict that began on October 7, 2023.

As humanitarian conditions in Gaza worsen, Khamenei remarked on the Israeli airstrikes, categorizing them as a “catastrophic crime” and implicating Washington in the support of Israel’s military activities.

Khamenei stated, “This attack on the people of Yemen, on Yemeni civilians, is a crime that must be stopped.” In contrast, U.S. President Donald Trump remarked via social media that significant damage had been inflicted upon the Houthis and warned of escalating military responses. Trita Parsi from the Quincy Institute for Responsible Statecraft cautioned that President Trump might find himself enmeshed in a conflict that undermines his objectives to reduce U.S. military presence in the region.

As tensions escalate, the U.S. is anticipated to maintain its focus on Houthi military operations, which may provoke further disruptions to Red Sea trade routes and increase the risk of broader regional confrontation.

The recent military actions by the United States against the Houthi militia in Yemen have elicited strong condemnation from Iranian leadership, particularly Ayatollah Khamenei, who calls for the cessation of such strikes. The conflict underscores a significant ongoing struggle between U.S.-backed forces and Iranian proxies, exacerbated by broader regional tensions involving Israel and humanitarian crises in Gaza. The situation remains precarious, with potential for escalation as both sides stand firm in their positions.

Original Source: www.newsweek.com