Iran condemned US airstrikes on the Houthis in Yemen as a “crime” and vowed to respond to any further aggression, emphasizing its commitment to national integrity. The US aims to secure navigation routes and curb the influence of Iran-backed factions following heightened tensions since the Gaza conflict began. The Houthis claimed retaliatory actions against US naval assets and casualties resulted from the strikes, while diplomatic overtures from the US continue under sanction pressures.
Iran officially condemned the recent US strikes on the Houthis in Yemen, categorizing them as “a crime” and warned of decisive retaliation should the US exhibit further aggression against Iranian territory. This statement comes in light of US Defense Secretary Pete Hegseth’s assertion that the strikes aimed to protect American interests in the vital waterway by curbing attacks linked to Iran-backed groups.
In a press briefing, Iranian Foreign Ministry spokesman Esmail Baghaei emphasized, “We will respond decisively to any aggression against Iran’s territorial integrity…” The Houthis, engaged in multiple assaults on shipping routes since the onset of conflict in Gaza on October 7, 2023, showed increased hostility following the US military operations.
President Donald Trump’s recent extensive military strikes against the Houthis are noted as the most significant operation in the Middle East during his administration. Tragically, reports indicate that these strikes resulted in at least 53 fatalities, including five children, alongside numerous injuries, according to Houthis’ Health Ministry spokesman Anis Al Asbahi.
The Houthis claimed to have retaliated by attacking the USS Harry Truman with missiles and a drone, asserting these actions were a response to American aggression. The announcement emphasized their commitment to resisting ongoing threats against Yemen.
In conjunction with military actions, the US has amplified sanctions on Iran and its associates as part of a strategy to pressure Tehran into nuclear negotiations. Trump recently reached out to Iran’s supreme leader, Ayatollah Ali Khamenei, proposing discussions on nuclear issues. Baghaei stated that any formal response would follow a thorough examination of this letter, emphasizing that its sentiments aligned closely with Trump’s earlier public statements.
In summary, Iran has firmly denounced the US strikes on the Houthis as a violation of international law and threatened retaliatory measures against further US aggression. The ongoing conflict in Yemen, exacerbated by attacks on shipping, highlights the complexities of US-Iran relations as the US continues to apply pressure on Tehran while seeking dialogue regarding nuclear issues. The situation remains tense, with both sides poised for potential escalation.
Original Source: www.thenationalnews.com
