Iran’s Supreme Leader Condemns U.S. Strikes on Houthis Amid Rising…

Ayatollah Ali Khamenei has condemned U.S. military strikes on Yemen, labeling them a serious crime. His statements highlight Iran’s support for the Houthis amid rising regional tensions, especially against the backdrop of Israeli airstrikes on Gaza. The conflict illustrates the ongoing struggle between U.S.-aligned forces and Iranian proxies.

Iran’s Supreme Leader, Ayatollah Ali Khamenei, condemned the recent U.S. military strikes on Yemen, describing them as a “crime that must be stopped.” In a video statement, he criticized the attacks targeting the Houthi militia, emphasizing the necessity of averting such actions. His comments come at a time of heightened regional tensions, particularly in light of renewed Israeli airstrikes on Gaza and increasing Houthi threats to shipping linked to Israel.

The conflict in Yemen reflects a larger struggle between U.S.-aligned forces and Iran’s regional proxies. The U.S. military’s retaliatory strikes, which resulted in significant casualties among Houthi officials, could further destabilize the Middle East. Khamenei’s remarks underscore Iran’s enduring support for the Houthis while denouncing American involvement in the ongoing conflict.

Khamenei accused the U.S. of permitting Israeli airstrikes in Gaza, asserting that these attacks occurred with “U.S. permission, or support and green light.” During his remarks commemorating the Persian New Year, he called for unity among “freedom-seekers” globally against Israel. Iran’s foreign ministry also denounced the U.S. strikes, labeling them as “war crimes” akin to Israel’s actions in Gaza.

The latest U.S. military action was confirmed to have killed several high-ranking Houthi officials. Meanwhile, conflicting reports from the Houthi health ministry indicated that the strikes resulted in at least 53 deaths and nearly 100 injuries. This marked the first U.S. military operation in Yemen since the start of the Trump administration.

The Houthis have vowed to intensify their assaults on vessels associated with Israel as a response to the ongoing blockade of humanitarian aid to Gaza. Their previous disruption of shipping in the Red Sea was noted during a temporary ceasefire in January, following the onset of the Gaza conflict on October 7, 2023.

As the humanitarian crisis in Gaza worsens due to intensified Israeli airstrikes, Khamenei characterized these actions as a “catastrophic crime,” holding the U.S. partially responsible for facilitating Israel’s military efforts.

Consequently, the U.S. is anticipated to persist in targeting Houthi military assets as the group’s threats to disrupt Red Sea trade may prompt further military engagement by the U.S., increasing the prospects of a broader regional conflict.

In summary, Ayatollah Ali Khamenei’s strong condemnation of U.S. strikes on the Houthis reflects Iran’s ongoing support for its allies amidst a turbulent regional landscape. These developments underscore the volatile nature of the conflict in Yemen, the humanitarian crisis in Gaza, and the potential for an escalation of military actions by the United States as tensions continue to rise. Such interactions emphasize the intricate relationships and rivalries in the ongoing broader conflict involving regional powers and their proxies.

Original Source: www.newsweek.com