Iran denied aiding Yemen’s Houthi rebels following US airstrikes. The strikes, which reportedly killed 31, responded to the Houthis’ threats against Israeli vessels amid heightened tensions in Gaza. US claims of Iranian military support for the Houthis persist, despite Tehran’s denial and its call for the US to cease operations. The situation remains delicate, with both sides at odds over regional influence and maritime security.
On Sunday, Iran reiterated its denial of any support to Yemen’s Houthi rebels amidst recent US airstrikes targeting the militants. President Donald Trump emphasized that Tehran would be held “fully accountable” for its involvement in regional conflicts. The Houthis claimed that the strikes resulted in at least 31 fatalities and over 100 injuries, including women and children.
Houthi forces have engaged in assaults on international shipping in the Red Sea while launching missiles and drones towards Israel as part of support for Palestinians amid the Israel-Hamas conflict. Following a temporary ceasefire in January, tensions escalated as the Houthis threatened to renew their attacks after Israel’s recent humanitarian blockade affecting Gaza.
While the US and its allies have long accused Iran of equipping the Houthis with military resources, Iranian officials insist they do not direct the operations of their allied groups in the region. General Hossein Salami, of Iran’s Revolutionary Guard, asserted that the country plays no role in the operational policies of these militant factions.
Iranian Foreign Minister Abbas Araghchi discouraged the US from continuing military actions against the Houthis, stating that Washington was unable to dictate Iran’s foreign policy.
The recent US airstrikes are significant, being the first solo operation by the US against the Houthis during Trump’s second term. They followed the Houthis’ threats to target Israeli vessels should the blockade against Gaza continue. Prior to the ceasefire, Houthi strikes had already targeted over 100 merchant vessels, resulting in multiple casualties.
The ongoing conflict involving Yemen’s Houthi rebels continues to escalate, particularly following recent US airstrikes and threats by President Trump against Iran. Despite the claims of both sides, the situation emphasizes the complexity of regional dynamics influenced by foreign policy decisions. Iran’s consistent denial of support for the Houthis, coupled with the Houthis’ threats of renewed aggression, suggests a precarious balance in international maritime security and regional stability.
Original Source: www.newsday.com
