Iran has denied allegations of supporting Yemen’s Houthi rebels after U.S. airstrikes left 31 dead. The Houthis have threatened maritime attacks amidst conflict between Israel and Hamas. Trump warned Iran of accountability and committed to using force against Houthi aggression in the Red Sea, marking a notable escalation in responses to the situation.
On Sunday, Iran reiterated its denial of providing support to Yemen’s Houthi rebels, following a series of airstrikes conducted by the United States against them. President Donald Trump had warned that Iran would be held “fully accountable” for the actions of the Houthis. The Houthi-run Health Ministry reported at least 31 fatalities, including women and children, and over 100 injuries due to the airstrikes, which purportedly struck homes in the Saada province.
The Houthis have a history of targeting international shipping in the Red Sea, along with launching missile and drone attacks at Israel, claiming solidarity with Palestinians amid the conflict with Hamas. The escalation in hostilities ceased with a fragile ceasefire in Gaza during January but has been threatened anew in response to the humanitarian situation in Gaza.
The U.S. and allied nations have long accused Iran of supplying military resources to the Houthis, with the U.S. Navy reporting the seizure of Iranian-made missile parts intended for the militant group. Gen. Hossein Salami of Iran’s Revolutionary Guard expressly denied involvement in the Houthi attacks, stating that Iran does not influence their operational policies.
Iranian Foreign Minister Abbas Araghchi called for the U.S. to stop the airstrikes, indicating that the United States lacks the authority to dictate Iran’s foreign relations. Trump pledged to utilize “overwhelming lethal force” if necessary to halt Houthi aggression against maritime operations.
The airstrikes followed the Houthis’ announcement of planned attacks on Israeli vessels in reaction to the blockade imposed on Gaza. The Houthis have previously targeted over 100 ships, with incidents resulting in the sinking of two vessels and the loss of four sailors. While previous strikes against Houthi regions have included actions by Israel and Britain, this particular operation was exclusively initiated by the U.S., marking the first such actions under the Trump administration’s second term.
In summary, Iran continues to deny any support for Yemen’s Houthi rebels amidst recent U.S. military actions targeting the group. With casualties reported from the airstrikes and global accusations aimed at Iran regarding military aid, tensions are elevated, particularly following threats to maritime trade. The situation remains complex, influenced by regional alliances and ongoing conflicts involving Israel and Palestine.
Original Source: www.newsday.com
