Iran denied allegations of assisting Yemen’s Houthi rebels following U.S. airstrikes that killed civilians and were prompted by the rebels’ attacks on shipping. Trump reiterated a commitment to use significant force against the Houthis, while Iran maintains its non-involvement in their military actions. The situation highlights rising tensions amid the Israel-Hamas conflict and the implications for regional stability.
On March 15, 2025, U.S. President Donald Trump announced airstrikes against Houthi-controlled regions in Yemen, responding to ongoing threats from the Iranian-backed rebels against international shipping lanes. The strikes were characterized by Trump as a display of “overwhelming lethal force,” emphasizing a commitment to halt these activities targeting vital maritime routes.
In the aftermath, state-run media in Yemen reported that at least 31 individuals, including women and children, were killed, with over 100 others injured from the strikes that affected residential areas in Saada province. Houthi authorities accused the airstrikes of targeting civilians by releasing imagery of casualties, raising humanitarian concerns amid escalating violence.
The Houthis’ hostile actions toward shipping in the Red Sea have been touted as a stance of solidarity with Palestinians amidst the Israel-Hamas conflict. Following a ceasefire in January, tensions escalated again as threats to renew such attacks emerged contingent on Israel’s humanitarian blockade on Gaza. The U.S. has often attributed military support for the Houthis to Iran, evidenced by previous U.S. Navy interceptions of Iranian military supplies intended for the group.
In a firm rebuttal, Iran reiterated its denial of support to the Houthis, stating it does not dictate their operational strategies. Iranian officials, including General Hossein Salami of the Revolutionary Guard, highlighted their autonomy while condemning U.S. military actions, calling for a cessation of strikes.
The recent airstrikes were the first direct military engagement of the Houthis under this administration, following a pattern of intensified U.S. and allied operations targeting Houthi positions in past years during this ongoing conflict in Yemen.
In summary, the recent U.S. airstrikes against the Houthis signal a significant military response to perceived threats against shipping in the Red Sea. Iran’s denial of support to the Houthis and the subsequent civilian casualties reported highlight the complex nature of regional politics and humanitarian concerns amid warfare. Tensions remain high as the Houthis continue to assert their operational independence, further complicating U.S. and coalition responses.
Original Source: apnews.com
