Iran has warned of retaliatory measures following U.S. airstrikes on Houthi targets in Yemen. Revolutionary Guard Commander Hossein Salami highlighted the Houthis’ autonomy in determining their military actions. President Trump threatened severe consequences should the Houthis continue their attacks, while Iran condemned the strikes as a barbaric violation of international law, prompting Iranian officials to reject U.S. dictates on their foreign policy.
On Sunday, Iran’s Revolutionary Guard Commander, Hossein Salami, issued a warning regarding potential retaliation against any U.S. attack, following President Donald Trump’s threats subsequent to American airstrikes on Houthi targets in Yemen. According to Iranian state media, Salami stated that the Houthis are responsible for their strategic and operational decisions.
Trump had warned the Houthis to cease their attacks, threatening severe consequences, while simultaneously issuing a stern warning to Iran regarding its support of the Houthis, asserting that the U.S. would hold Iran accountable for any continued assistance.
Iran condemned the recent U.S. airstrikes, labeling them as “barbaric.” Reports indicate that these strikes, which targeted Houthi positions in Yemen, resulted in the deaths of at least 31 individuals, including women and children, as per the Houthi-run Ministry of Health. Ismail Baghery, spokesperson for the Iranian Foreign Ministry, characterized the strikes as a blatant breach of the United Nations Charter and international law.
Iranian Foreign Minister Abbas Araghchi refuted Trump’s calls for Iran to discontinue support for the Houthis, asserting that the U.S. has no right to dictate Iran’s foreign policy and demanding an end to the violence against Yemeni civilians, further emphasizing the significance of sovereignty.
The U.S. airstrikes were conducted as part of military action initiated by President Trump aimed at the Houthis, who are aligned with Tehran and exert control over substantial regions of Yemen, including the capital, Sanaa. Notably, these strikes represent the first U.S. military engagement targeting the Houthis since Trump took office in January 2025.
The escalation follows the outbreak of the Israeli-Gaza war in October 2023, resulting in significant casualties. The Houthis have conducted numerous drone and missile attacks against vessels in the Red Sea and Gulf of Aden, claiming these actions were made in solidarity with the Palestinian cause. In response to these threats, the United States, the United Kingdom, and Israel have undertaken several military operations targeting Houthi positions in Yemen during the previous administration led by President Joe Biden.
The conflict surrounding U.S. airstrikes on Houthi positions has resulted in heightened tensions between Iran and the United States. With Iran warning of retaliation and condemning the strikes as a violation of international law, the situation remains precarious. The Houthis’ continued attacks and the incentive to align with the Palestinian cause have complicated this regional dynamic, leading to significant military responses from international actors. The interplay of these actions underscores the fragility of peace in the area.
Original Source: shafaq.com
