Iran has denied allegations of aiding Yemen’s Houthi rebels following U.S. airstrikes that killed 31, including women and children. The strikes are part of ongoing tensions related to Houthi attacks on international shipping and their solidarity with Palestinians in Gaza. Iranian officials assert non-involvement in Houthi operations, despite U.S. accusations of Iranian military support.
On Sunday, Iran firmly denied providing support to Yemen’s Houthi rebels following U.S. airstrikes targeting the group. These strikes, which President Donald Trump asserted made Tehran “fully accountable” for the rebels’ actions, reportedly resulted in the deaths of at least 31 individuals, including women and children, as reported by the Houthi-run Health Ministry. Images broadcasted by Al-Masirah TV depicted casualties from a strike that hit two homes in northern Saada province.
The Houthis have conducted numerous attacks against international shipping in the Red Sea and have launched missiles and drones towards Israel, which they frame as supportive actions towards Palestinians in Gaza. Although these attacks ceased with a ceasefire agreement in January 2023, the Houthis have threatened a resurgence after Israel’s humanitarian blockade on Gaza.
The United States and other nations have consistently accused Iran of supplying military assistance to the Houthis. The U.S. Navy has intercepted Iranian-made missile components intended for the group, which governs Yemen’s capital, Sanaa.
General Hossein Salami, leader of Iran’s Revolutionary Guard, stated that Iran does not dictate the operational strategies of allied militant groups. Meanwhile, Iranian Foreign Minister Abbas Araghchi called for an end to U.S. strikes in a recent post on X, emphasizing that Iran’s foreign policy is not dictated by Washington.
In response to Houthi threats to target Israeli vessels due to the ongoing blockade of Gaza, Trump warned on Saturday of employing “overwhelming lethal force” to ensure the cessation of attacks along vital maritime routes. Following the Houthis’ announcement of resumed attacks, no further incidents have been reported.
Throughout their campaign from October 2023 to January 2024, the Houthis targeted over 100 merchant ships, resulting in two sinkings and four sailor fatalities. The recent U.S. operation represents a notable instance of direct action against the Houthis, marking the first airstrike on them since the commencement of Trump’s second presidential term.
In summary, the recent U.S. airstrikes against the Houthi rebels in Yemen have provoked Iran to deny allegations of support for the group. Despite ongoing accusations from the U.S. regarding Iranian military assistance to the Houthis, Iranian officials maintain that they do not dictate the rebels’ actions. The situation remains tense, particularly with the Houthis threatening to resume attacks related to the ongoing conflict in Gaza. The geopolitical landscape continues to evolve amidst these claims and retaliatory actions.
Original Source: www.ksat.com
