Iran’s Foreign Minister condemned US airstrikes in Yemen, calling for an end to violence against the Yemeni people. President Trump justified the strikes against the Houthis, alleging Iranian support for them. The Houthis reported casualties and threatened retaliation, while Iranian officials maintained that the Houthis are independent actors in this conflict. Iranian officials met with counterparts in Oman to address the situation, emphasizing a unified front in the region against external intervention.
Iran’s Foreign Minister, Abbas Araghchi, has urged the United States to cease its military actions in Yemen, condemning the recent airstrikes against Houthi forces. He expressed that the United States lacks the authority to dictate Iran’s foreign policy and highlighted the global accountability for Palestinian casualties, demanding an end to what he termed as genocide and terrorism in Yemen.
On March 16, President Donald Trump confirmed that the US conducted significant airstrikes against the Houthis, citing their alleged threats to shipping in the Red Sea. He accused the Houthis of being funded by Iran and blamed them for jeopardizing lives and costing billions through their violent actions. Trump further warned Iran to halt its support for the Houthis or face consequences from the United States.
Following the airstrikes, the Houthi-run health authorities reported at least 31 casualties and numerous injuries. In retaliation, the Houthis declared their intent to target Israeli vessels in the Red and Arabian Seas until the blockade on Gaza is lifted, while also condemning US actions. The UK was mentioned in context as having provided logistical support, although it did not participate directly in the strikes.
Iran’s Foreign Ministry, through spokesman Esmail Baqai, criticized the US and UK for what it termed a violation of international law. Iran views the Houthis as legitimate leaders of Yemen but denies supplying them with arms, often engaging with Houthi representatives diplomatically.
On the same day as the strikes, Foreign Minister Araghchi met with Omani officials to discuss the US actions in Yemen. Maj Gen Hossein Salami, leader of Iran’s Islamic Revolution Guards Corps (IRGC), dismissed Trump’s claims of Iranian involvement in Houthi attacks, emphasizing that the Houthis are independently making their strategic decisions. He reaffirmed that the Islamic Republic of Iran takes responsibility for its actions.
The Houthis, alongside groups such as Hezbollah and Hamas, are seen as part of the ‘Axis of Resistance,’ which includes various pro-Iranian factions across the Middle East, working in concert with Iranian interests.
This article highlights Iran’s strong condemnation of recent US airstrikes in Yemen and the ensuing geopolitical tensions. Iran’s leadership expresses indignation over perceived aggression against the Yemeni population and the Houthis. The exchange of accusations between US and Iranian officials underscores the complexities surrounding foreign influence and military engagements in the region. Moreover, the commitment of Iran and its allied groups to resist external pressures reinforces the significance of this ongoing conflict in the broader framework of Middle Eastern geopolitics.
Original Source: caspiannews.com
