Iran denied aiding Houthi rebels after U.S. airstrikes killed civilians. Trump warned Iran of accountability as tensions rise following Houthi threats against Israel. Military actions stem from ongoing conflicts over shipping routes and humanitarian aid in Gaza.
On Sunday, Iran once again denied providing support to Yemen’s Houthi rebels, following recent U.S. airstrikes against the group. These strikes were prompted by President Donald Trump’s assertion that Iran would be held “fully accountable” for its involvement. The Houthi-run Health Ministry reported that the airstrikes resulted in at least 31 fatalities, including women and children, and left over 100 individuals injured. The rebels claimed one such strike hit residential homes in northern Saada province, killing four children and a woman.
The Houthi movement has consistently targeted international shipping in the Red Sea and has launched missiles and drones at Israel, citing solidarity with Palestinians amidst the ongoing Gaza conflict. Attacks had ceased with a tenuous ceasefire between Israel and Hamas in January, but the Houthis threatened to renew them following Israel’s recent humanitarian aid blockade to Gaza.
Historically, Iran has been accused by the U.S. and others of supplying military assistance to the Houthis. The U.S. Navy has intercepted Iranian missile components allegedly destined for the group, which governs Yemen’s capital, Sanaa, and significant northern territories. Gen. Hossein Salami, the head of Iran’s Revolutionary Guard, refuted Iran’s involvement, asserting that it plays no role in directing the policies of allied militant groups in the region.
Iranian Foreign Minister Abbas Araghchi warned the U.S. to cease its strikes, arguing that Washington cannot dictate Iran’s foreign policy. In response to Houthi threats to resume attacks on Israeli vessels due to the blockade, Trump proclaimed his intention to employ “overwhelming lethal force” until the Houthis halt their aggressions against maritime interests. The most recent U.S. strikes marked a continuation of military operations authorized against the Houthis under Trump’s administration, following prior assaults by the U.S., Israel, and Britain.
Since the beginning of the Israel-Hamas war in October 2023 and up until the ceasefire’s establishment in January, the Houthis targeted over 100 commercial vessels using missiles and drones, resulting in the sinking of two ships and the deaths of four sailors. The U.S. operation marks the first instance of air strikes conducted solely by American forces during the current Trump administration’s tenure.
Iran has firmly denied accusations of supporting Yemen’s Houthi rebels following recent U.S. airstrikes, which come after a resurgence of tensions linked to the Israel-Hamas conflict. The strikes resulted in civilian casualties, prompting U.S. military actions in response to Houthi threats against shipping lanes. Despite ongoing allegations of Iranian arms support to the Houthis, Iran maintains that it does not dictate the actions of militant groups it supports. The situation remains precarious, with promises from U.S. leadership to employ significant force if aggression continues.
Original Source: www.clickorlando.com
