Iran Denies Support for Houthi Rebels Amid U.S. Airstrikes and Threats from Trump
Iran asserts it does not support the Houthis in Yemen as U.S. airstrikes follow threats from Trump. The Houthis reported casualties while attacking maritime assets in solidarity with Palestinians. Tensions persist over the potential resumption of Houthi attacks after a recent ceasefire and accusations of Iranian military support loom large.
Iran has once more denied any support for the Houthi rebels in Yemen following a series of U.S. airstrikes against the militants. This denial comes as President Donald Trump issued a warning that Iran would be held “fully accountable” for the actions of the Houthis, who have recently escalated their attacks.
The Health Ministry controlled by the Houthis reported that these airstrikes resulted in at least 31 fatalities, including women and children, while injuring over 100 others. The rebels claim that one of the strikes specifically targeted two homes in northern Saada, leading to the deaths of four children and a woman.
The Houthis have been known to attack international shipping routes in the Red Sea and have launched missiles and drones toward Israel, claiming it is in solidarity with the Palestinians in Gaza. Although these attacks ceased after a tenuous ceasefire was established in January, renewed threats have emerged following Israel’s cessation of humanitarian aid to Gaza.
For many years, the U.S. and various nations have accused Iran of supplying military assistance to the Houthis. The U.S. Navy has previously intercepted Iranian-made missile components intended for the group, which controls Yemen’s capital, Sanaa, as well as significant northern areas.
Gen. Hossein Salami, the commander of Iran’s Revolutionary Guard, refuted claims of Iranian involvement in the Houthis’ operations, stating that Iran does not dictate the strategies of allied militant groups in the region. Furthermore, Iranian Foreign Minister Abbas Araghchi called for the U.S. to cease its military actions, asserting that Washington cannot impose its foreign policy on Iran.
President Trump has pledged to execute “overwhelming lethal force” until the Houthis stop their assaults on international shipping. These latest airstrikes follow the Houthis’ announcement to potentially resume attacks on Israeli vessels due to recent actions taken by Israel against Gaza, although no such attacks have been reported since.
The Houthis have carried out numerous strikes against merchant vessels, sinking two ships and causing four fatalities during their offensive from October 2023 until the ceasefire in January. While the U.S., Israel, and Britain have engaged with Houthi territories in the past, the most recent operation was solely conducted by the U.S. and marked the first targeting of the Houthis since Trump’s inauguration for a second term.
In summary, Iran has denied allegations of supporting Yemen’s Houthi rebels amidst heightened U.S. military responses following Houthi attacks. The Houthis recently reported civilian casualties due to U.S. airstrikes while asserting their solidarity with Palestinians. Tensions remain high as the Houthis threaten to recommence assaults on Israeli vessels, prompting U.S. officials to promise decisive military action. The situation underscores ongoing challenges in the region and the complexities of international engagements.
Original Source: www.ksat.com
