Iran has condemned US military strikes against the Houthis in Yemen, calling them a “crime” and warning of a decisive response to any aggression. US officials justified the strikes as a means to ensure maritime security, amidst intensifying conflicts following recent Houthi attacks. The situation represents a broader regional tension involving Iran’s nuclear negotiations and US sanctions.
On Monday, Iran characterized the recent US military strikes against the Houthis in Yemen as “a crime,” expressing condemnation of American threats directed towards Tehran. Iranian officials, including Foreign Ministry spokesman Esmail Baghaei, warned of a decisive retaliation in the event of aggression on Iranian territory.
US Defense Secretary Pete Hegseth stated that the objective of the military actions was to protect assets and ensure freedom of navigation in a vital waterway, asserting that Iran had been supporting the Houthis for an extended period. Baghaei reaffirmed Iran’s commitment to defend its territorial integrity, security, and national interests vigorously.
Following escalated conflict since October 7, 2023, the Houthis reportedly intensified attacks on shipping pathways, prompting large-scale US strikes— the most substantial military operation in the Middle East since President Trump took office. The Houthis’ Health Ministry reported at least 53 casualties, including five children, and proclaimed retaliation strikes against the USS Harry Truman, claiming to have launched 18 missiles and a drone without substantiating evidence.
These military actions align with the US’s strategy of applying maximum pressure on Iran and its regional proxies. Trump has imposed additional sanctions on Tehran while advocating for negotiations regarding its nuclear program. A letter was dispatched to Iran’s supreme leader, Ayatollah Ali Khamenei, offering discussions about the nuclear program, with Iran’s Foreign Ministry suggesting a thoughtful review before responding.
Ayatollah Khamenei, along with other Iranian officials, has thus far rejected the prospect of negotiations conducted under duress, marking a potential barrier in the quest for diplomatic engagement.
Iran has condemned the US strikes in Yemen, labeling them as violations of international law and vowing potential retaliation against US actions perceived as aggressive. The ongoing military conflict between the Houthis and US interests underscores the volatility of the region, compounded by strained diplomatic efforts related to Iran’s nuclear program. Both nations emphasize their respective stances on territorial integrity and national interests, highlighting the complexities in efforts toward de-escalation.
Original Source: www.thenationalnews.com
