Iran’s Denial of Houthi Support Amidst US Airstrikes and Escalating Tensions
Iran has denied accusations of aiding Yemen’s Houthi rebels following U.S. airstrikes which have reportedly killed and injured numerous civilians. The Houthis have targeted international shipping and Israel as part of their operations, claiming solidarity with Palestinians amidst conflict. Trump warned of accountability for Iran, while the conflict remains unresolved amid threats of renewed Houthi attacks.
On Sunday, Iran formally denied claims of assistance to Yemen’s Houthi rebels following recent airstrikes conducted by the United States. President Donald Trump has warned that Iran would be held “fully accountable” for the actions of the Houthis. A statement from the Houthi-run Health Ministry reported that these strikes resulted in at least 31 fatalities, including women and children, with over 100 individuals wounded.
The Houthis have been notably active in targeting international shipping in the Red Sea and have launched missiles and drones at Israel, claiming solidarity with Palestinians in Gaza amid the ongoing conflict with Hamas, another Iranian ally. Following a temporary ceasefire between Israel and Hamas in January, the Houthis had indicated plans to resume attacks after Israel restricted humanitarian aid to Gaza this month.
The United States and its allies have consistently accused Iran of providing military support to the Houthis. This assertion is supported by the U.S. Navy’s seizure of Iranian-made missile parts intended for the group, which governs Yemen’s capital, Sanaa, and its northern regions. Iran’s Revolutionary Guard commander, Gen. Hossein Salami, reaffirmed the lack of Iran’s involvement in Houthi operations, emphasizing that the country does not dictate policies of its allied militant groups.
Iranian Foreign Minister Abbas Araghchi criticized U.S. military actions, asserting that Washington cannot impose its foreign policy on Iran. Amid these tensions, President Trump declared his intention to utilize “overwhelming lethal force” until the Houthis cease their maritime attacks.
The recent U.S. airstrikes occurred after the Houthis signaled an impending return to assaults on Israeli vessels due to Israel’s blockade on Gaza. Despite extensive attacks on over 100 merchant vessels by the Houthis in prior months, there have been no reports of new attacks since the airstrikes. This operation marked the first U.S. military action targeting Houthis during Trump’s second term in office.
In conclusion, Iran’s denial of support for the Houthis follows significant U.S. airstrikes that targeted the group amid escalating tensions in the region. The Houthis have persistently engaged in military actions affecting both maritime security and regional stability, particularly in relation to their stance on the Israeli-Palestinian conflict. The situation indicates a complex interplay of military actions and diplomatic statements, reflecting the ongoing volatility in the region.
Original Source: www.newsday.com
