Ayatollah Khamenei condemned U.S. military strikes in Yemen, marking them as criminal actions, while highlighting regional tensions involving the Houthis and U.S.-Israeli relations. The strikes reportedly targeted Houthi officials, resulting in significant casualties. The conflict underscores Iran’s ongoing support for the Houthis and the humanitarian crisis in Gaza, amidst calls for unity against Israeli actions.
Iran’s Supreme Leader, Ayatollah Ali Khamenei, has condemned recent U.S. military strikes on Yemen, describing them as a “crime that must be stopped.” In a video statement, he criticized the assaults on the Houthi militia, emphasizing the need to prevent such actions. His comments come during a period of rising regional tensions linked to Israeli airstrikes on Gaza and renewed threats from the Houthis towards Israeli-associated maritime activities.
The ongoing conflict in Yemen highlights the broader confrontation between U.S.-allied forces and Iran’s regional proxies. The Houthis have launched attacks on shipping routes in the Red Sea, and the U.S. military’s response exemplifies a crucial flashpoint that may further destabilize the region. Khamenei’s remarks underscore Iran’s persistent backing of the Houthis while denouncing U.S. involvement in the conflict.
Khamenei further accused the United States of facilitating Israeli airstrikes in Gaza, stating these were executed with “U.S. permission or support and green light.” In observance of the Persian New Year, he appealed to “freedom-seekers around the world” to unite against Israel. Iran’s foreign ministry echoed these sentiments, labeling the U.S. strikes on Yemen as “war crimes,” in parallel to Israel’s actions in Gaza.
The recent U.S. strikes have reportedly killed several high-ranking Houthi officials, although the Houthi health ministry claims that the death toll includes at least 53 individuals with nearly 100 injuries. This action is noted as the first U.S. military engagement in Yemen since President Trump’s administration began.
The Houthis, as part of Iran’s “axis of resistance” against the U.S. and Israel, have promised to escalate attacks on vessels associated with Israel, responding to the blockade of humanitarian aid in Gaza. Their previous disruptions of Red Sea shipping resumed after the conflict escalated on October 7, 2023, although operations temporarily ceased in January.
Moreover, the humanitarian situation in Gaza has been exacerbated by intensified Israeli airstrikes. Khamenei characterized these attacks as a “catastrophic crime,” holding Washington accountable for its backing of Israel’s military operations.
In public reactions, Khamenei warned against the attacks on Yemeni civilians, asserting, “This attack on the people of Yemen, on Yemeni civilians, is a crime that must be stopped.” U.S. President Trump, on the other hand, declared on social media that significant damage has been inflicted upon the Houthi forces, predicting worsening conditions ahead for their operatives.
The escalating tensions are likely to prompt continued U.S. targeting of Houthi military infrastructure while the group’s renewed threats to disrupt trade routes could instigate further military action, raising the potential for a wider conflict in the region.
In conclusion, Ayatollah Ali Khamenei’s strong denunciation of U.S. military strikes in Yemen reflects the ongoing regional tensions involving Iranian proxies and U.S. interests. As both sides escalate their military strategies, the potential for broader conflict remains concerning. The narratives around accountability for civilian casualties and the involvement of international powers like the U.S. will likely play a pivotal role in the evolving situation in the Middle East.
Original Source: www.newsweek.com
