Iran’s Supreme Leader Decries U.S. Strikes on Houthis, Signals Support for Militants
Iran’s Supreme Leader, Ayatollah Ali Khamenei, condemned U.S. strikes on Yemen as a “crime” and voiced strong support for the Houthi militia amidst escalating regional tensions. The conflict highlights the ongoing struggles between U.S. forces and Iranian proxies, with potential risks of further destabilization in the Middle East.
Ayatollah Ali Khamenei, Iran’s Supreme Leader, has condemned recent U.S. military strikes on Yemen, characterizing them as a “crime that must be stopped.” In a video statement, Khamenei voiced criticism of the attacks on the Houthi militia and emphasized the need to prevent such actions. These statements arise amid escalating tensions in the region, especially following renewed Israeli airstrikes in Gaza and Houthi threats against ships associated with Israel.
This conflict illustrates the broader confrontation between U.S.-aligned forces and Iran’s regional proxies. The Houthis’ recent threats and the U.S. military’s retaliatory strikes represent significant flashpoints that risk further destabilizing the Middle East. Khamenei’s remarks indicate Iran’s ongoing support for the Houthis, while denouncing U.S. interventions in the region.
Khamenei accused the U.S. of facilitating Israeli strikes in Gaza, alleging these occurred with “U.S. permission, or support and green light.” He called on “freedom-seekers around the world” to unite against Israel, coinciding with the Persian New Year. Iran’s foreign ministry also condemned the U.S. strikes in Yemen, labeling them as “war crimes,” in conjunction with Israel’s actions in Gaza.
The U.S. confirmed its recent airstrikes in Yemen targeted Houthi leadership, resulting in the deaths of several high-ranking officials. The Houthi-run health ministry reported at least 53 fatalities and numerous injuries from these attacks, marking the first military action in Yemen under the Biden administration.
In retaliation, the Houthis, aligned with Iran’s resistance movements, vowed to intensify their attacks against Israeli-linked vessels due to the ongoing Israeli blockade of aid to Gaza. They have previously disrupted shipping lanes in the Red Sea escalated following the outbreak of the conflict in Gaza on October 7, 2023, intermittently halting these operations.
In summary, recent events underscore heightened tensions between the U.S., Iran, and their respective allies within the Middle East. Ayatollah Khamenei’s condemnation of U.S. actions coincides with significant regional implications, as both sides prepare for potential escalation. The ongoing situation in Yemen and Gaza remains precarious, with the Houthis threatening further attacks on international shipping routes, potentially leading to broader conflict.
Original Source: www.newsweek.com
