Iran has denied aiding Yemen’s Houthi rebels after U.S. airstrikes resulted in casualties. The Houthis’ missile and drone attacks have previously targeted Israel and international shipping. U.S. officials allege Iran’s involvement in their military actions. Trump warned of consequences for the Houthis’ disruption of maritime routes. This marks a significant event in U.S.-Iran relations regarding regional security and diplomacy.
On Sunday, Tehran reiterated its denial of providing assistance to Yemen’s Houthi rebels following a series of U.S. airstrikes targeting these groups. President Donald Trump stated that Iran would be held “fully accountable” for the actions of the Houthis. Reports from the Houthi-controlled Health Ministry revealed that the strikes resulted in a minimum of 31 fatalities, including women and children, alongside over 100 injuries, particularly highlighting a strike that destroyed two homes in northern Saada province.
The Houthis, known for their attacks on international shipping in the Red Sea, launched missiles and drones towards Israel, claiming solidarity with Palestinians in Gaza, who are currently engaged in conflict with Hamas, another Iranian ally. Although hostilities subside with the recent ceasefire in Gaza, the Houthis have threatened to recommence such attacks following Israel’s humanitarian blockade on Gaza.
The United States and several nations have long accused Iran of supplying military resources to the Houthis. The U.S. Navy successfully intercepted Iranian-made missiles and other weapons purportedly destined for the Houthis, who govern Yemen’s capital, Sanaa. Gen. Hossein Salami of Iran’s Revolutionary Guard denied any involvement of Iran in the operational strategies of allied militant groups throughout the region.
Abbas Araghchi, Iran’s Foreign Minister, called for the U.S. to cease its airstrikes and asserted that Washington cannot impose its foreign policies on Iran. Following a previous acknowledgment that the Houthis planned to renew assaults on Israeli shipping, Trump threatened to employ “overwhelming lethal force” to deter these attacks.
The Houthis have historically targeted over 100 merchant vessels and have sunk two, leading to four sailors’ deaths since the beginning of the Israel-Hamas conflict in October 2023 until the ceasefire in January 2024. While there had been multiple joint operations by the U.S., Israel, and Britain against Houthi-held regions, the recent attacks on Saturday marked a significant strike solely executed by U.S. forces during Trump’s second term in office.
Iran has reiterated its position of non-involvement in the activities of Yemen’s Houthi rebels amidst rising tensions following U.S. airstrikes. Reacting to strikes that resulted in civilian casualties, both Iranian authorities and officials emphasized their detachment from the operational conduct of allied militant groups. As the region continues to grapple with issues surrounding humanitarian aid and military confrontations, diplomatic scenarios remain complex and tenuous.
Original Source: www.clickorlando.com
