Iran Denounces Trump’s Terrorist Designation of Yemen’s Houthis as Baseless
In a recent statement, Iran condemned the U.S. re-designation of Yemen’s Houthis as a ‘foreign terrorist organization’ by President Trump, calling it baseless. Iranian officials warn that this will exacerbate economic sanctions and jeopardize peace. The Houthis have actively attacked maritime vessels, causing disruptions in global shipping amidst regional conflicts.
On January 24, 2025, Iran vehemently criticized U.S. President Donald Trump’s decision to re-designate Yemen’s Houthi movement as a “foreign terrorist organization” (FTO), calling the designation “baseless.” Esmaeil Baghaei, spokesperson for the Iranian foreign ministry, asserted that this designation would lead to more stringent economic penalties against the Houthis compared to those under the Biden administration. He described the action as a pretext for imposing anti-human sanctions on the Yemeni population.
Baghaei warned that such unilateral decisions would undermine international law and pose risks to regional peace and stability. The Houthis, who dominate Yemen’s political landscape, have reportedly conducted over 100 attacks on vessels in the Red Sea since late 2023. These attacks, claimed to be in solidarity with Palestinians during the ongoing conflict in Gaza, have resulted in significant disruption to global shipping routes.
Previously, in 2021, President Joe Biden had reversed Trump’s earlier terrorist designations of the Houthis, citing humanitarian concerns. However, in the past year, Biden categorized the group as a “Specially Designated Global Terrorist” organization, although he abstained from applying the harsher FTO classification. The ongoing actions of the Houthis, including the sinking of vessels and casualties among seafarers, continue to pose challenges for international maritime operations.
The current geopolitical landscape reflects tensions between Iran and the United States regarding the designation of the Houthi movement in Yemen. The Houthis have been engaged in ongoing conflicts and have gained control over significant portions of Yemen. Their attacks on shipping routes have implications for global trade, prompting responses from various nations. The U.S. approach has shifted over administrations, with humanitarian concerns influencing designations regarding the Houthis’ actions in the region.
The remarks by Iran highlight its opposition to what it deems baseless U.S. actions against the Houthis. The situation in Yemen remains complex, with the Houthis asserting influence through military action in response to regional conflicts. This ongoing dynamic will likely continue to affect U.S.-Iran relations and maritime security in the Red Sea, as well as the humanitarian situation in Yemen.
Original Source: indianexpress.com
