Iran has denied providing support to Yemen’s Houthi rebels following U.S. airstrikes ordered by President Trump in response to Houthi attacks. The strikes led to significant civilian casualties, with over 31 reported dead. The situation has escalated as the Houthis have threatened renewed attacks on Israel after strikes against their forces. Iran’s leadership asserts that it does not influence the rebels’ actions and challenges U.S. foreign policy authority.
Iran has unequivocally denied that it is providing assistance to Yemen’s Houthi rebels following a series of U.S. airstrikes ordered by President Donald Trump. On Saturday, Trump announced these strikes aimed at Houthi-controlled areas in the capital, Sanaa, as a response to the rebels’ ongoing attacks on maritime shipping. He emphasized that the U.S. would employ “overwhelming lethal force” until the Houthis cease their aggression.
The U.S. Navy reported air operations from the USS Harry S. Truman, with visuals portraying aircraft launching prior to the strikes. The airstrikes resulted in significant casualties, according to the Houthi-run Health Ministry, which claimed the strikes killed at least 31 individuals, including women and children, and left over 100 injured. The rebels indicated that certain strikes targeted residential areas, leading to civilian casualties.
The Houthis have a documented history of attacking international vessels in the Red Sea and firing missiles towards Israel, asserting that these actions express solidarity with Palestinians amid ongoing conflicts. Following a temporary ceasefire between Israel and Hamas in January, tensions have escalated again, prompting threats from the Houthis to continue their offensive on Israeli maritime interests.
The United States and various allies, including Israel, have raised concerns over Iran’s military support for the Houthis, leading to maritime interceptions of Iranian weaponry destined for the group. Gen. Hossein Salami of the Iranian Revolutionary Guard denied any Iranian involvement in orchestrating Houthis’ strategies, asserting that Tehran does not influence their policy-making.
In a direct challenge to the U.S., Iranian Foreign Minister Abbas Araghchi condemned the airstrikes on social media, asserting that the U.S. cannot impose its foreign policy on Iran. Trump’s approach has been described as an effort to curb the Houthis’ aggressive actions, particularly following their threats to renew attacks on Israeli vessels in response to Israel’s blockade of Gaza.
While the United States has previously engaged in military actions against the Houthi forces, the latest airstrikes mark the first significant operation during President Trump’s second term, intensifying an already volatile situation in the region.
In summary, Iran’s denial of support to the Houthi rebels follows U.S. airstrikes in Yemen, which were ordered by President Trump as a response to Houthi attacks on maritime vessels. The strikes resulted in civilian casualties, and the Houthis have threatened to escalate their attacks in light of recent events. Iran has firmly rejected accusations of involvement, stressing their non-influence over Houthi operations while challenging U.S. authority regarding foreign policy mandates. This development underscores the ongoing complexities of international relations within the region.
Original Source: apnews.com
