Iran’s Supreme Leader Ayatollah Ali Khamenei condemned U.S. strikes on the Houthis in Yemen, calling them a significant crime. His remarks underscore Iran’s ongoing support for the Houthi movement amidst rising regional tensions marked by Israeli actions in Gaza. The U.S. military’s recent engagement has raised concerns of further destabilization in the Middle East as the U.S. prepares for potential continued military action.
Ayatollah Ali Khamenei, Iran’s Supreme Leader, has vocally condemned the recent U.S. military strikes on Yemen, labeling them a “crime that must be stopped.” His video statement, released on Thursday, criticizes actions against the Houthi militia amidst rising regional tensions, exacerbated by renewed Israeli airstrikes on Gaza and increased Houthi threats against Israeli-affiliated shipping.
The deteriorating situation in Yemen highlights a broader conflict involving U.S.-aligned forces and Iranian proxies. The Houthis’ assaults on maritime vessels in the Red Sea, along with U.S. retaliatory strikes, serve as a critical point that may further destabilize the Middle East. Khamenei’s comments reaffirm Iran’s support for the Houthis while denouncing U.S. actions in the region.
In his address, Khamenei stated that the U.S. is complicit in enabling Israeli military operations in Gaza, alleging that these strikes occurred with “U.S. permission, or support and green light.” During the Persian New Year observances, he called on “freedom-seekers around the world” to unite against Israel. Additionally, Iran’s foreign ministry joined in the criticism, condemning the U.S. airstrikes as “war crimes,” paralleling the actions of Israel in Gaza.
U.S. officials confirmed that their latest strikes in Yemen successfully targeted and killed several Houthi leaders. In contrast, the Houthi-run health ministry reported a death toll of 53 and nearly 100 injuries from the attacks, indicating severe civilian impacts. This marks the first U.S. military engagement in Yemen since President Donald Trump took office in January.
The Houthis, recognized as part of Iran’s “axis of resistance” against Israel and the United States, have pledged to intensify attacks on vessels linked to Israel following the blockade of aid to Gaza. Their aggressive actions previously disrupted shipping in the Red Sea following the outbreak of the Gaza conflict on October 7, 2023, with a temporary ceasefire noted in January.
The humanitarian situation in Gaza remains dire amid escalating Israeli airstrikes, which Khamenei described as a “catastrophic crime,” attributing blame to the U.S. for its enabling role in Israel’s military efforts.
In response to the situation, U.S. President Donald Trump stated on social media that significant damage had been inflicted upon the Houthis and reiterated that this engagement would only worsen for them, declaring they would ultimately be “completely annihilated!” Trita Parsi, a prominent figure at the Quincy Institute for Responsible Statecraft, warned of the dangers of escalating conflict, indicating that Trump might find himself ensnared in an unwarranted war counterproductive to reducing America’s involvement in the Middle East.
As tensions mount, the U.S. is anticipated to persist in targeting Houthi military infrastructure in response to their threats against shipping routes in the Red Sea, inevitably heightening the potential for broader regional conflict.
The recent U.S. military strikes on the Houthi militia in Yemen have drawn sharp criticism from Iran’s leadership, notably by Ayatollah Ali Khamenei. The situation reflects ongoing tensions in the Middle East, particularly involving U.S. actions and Iranian proxies. As the conflict escalates, diplomatic and military responses will be critical in determining the future stability of the region.
Original Source: www.newsweek.com
