Iran condemned Trump’s recent re-designation of Yemen’s Houthis as a terrorist organization, labeling it “baseless” and claiming it will lead to severe humanitarian impacts. Iranian officials argue that such unilateral actions threaten regional stability. The Houthis have increased attacks in the Red Sea, disrupting shipping routes. The Biden administration had reversed earlier designations but is now applying stricter classifications again.
On January 24, 2025, Iran condemned U.S. President Donald Trump’s decision to re-designate Yemen’s Houthi movement as a “foreign terrorist organization (FTO)”. The Iranian foreign ministry spokesperson, Esmaeil Baghaei, described the designation as “baseless” and an initiative that will impose severe sanctions on the Houthis, impacting the Yemeni populace unjustly.
Baghaei emphasized that such unilateral measures undermine international law and pose threats to regional stability. The Houthis, who have control over significant portions of Yemen, began over 100 maritime attacks in the Red Sea since November 2023. These attacks, which the Houthis assert are in support of Palestinians, have disrupted global shipping.
Previously, President Joe Biden reversed Trump’s terrorism designations in 2021, citing humanitarian issues within Yemen. However, in the subsequent year, he classified the Houthis as a “Specially Designated Global Terrorist” organization, stopping short of the harsh FTO classification. This has raised tensions in international relations regarding Yemen’s ongoing conflict.
The designation of the Houthis as a terrorist organization reflects ongoing geopolitical tensions, particularly regarding U.S.-Iran relations and the humanitarian crisis in Yemen. The Houthis have been active militarily and have conducted numerous attacks related to regional conflicts, namely in the context of the Israeli-Palestinian situation. This designation could impact humanitarian efforts in Yemen, which is already facing severe hardships due to prolonged conflict and blockades.
Iran’s response to the U.S. decision illustrates the complexities of international relations regarding Yemen. The escalation in labeling the Houthis indicates a shift back to a more aggressive stance reminiscent of the Trump administration. This situation continues to evolve, with implications for regional peace, humanitarian efforts, and international law.
Original Source: indianexpress.com
