Iran has denied allegations of supporting Yemen’s Houthi rebels following U.S. airstrikes that resulted in multiple casualties. President Trump warned that Iran would be held accountable for the rebels’ actions. The Houthis threatened to resume attacks on Israel in response to blockades against Gaza.
On Sunday, Iran reiterated its denial of assisting Yemen’s Houthi rebels following a series of U.S. airstrikes aimed at the militants. President Donald Trump cautioned that Iran would be held “fully accountable” for any actions taken by the Houthis, who the U.S. alleges receive military support from Tehran. The Houthi’s Health Ministry reported that the strikes resulted in at least 31 fatalities, including women and children, with over 100 individuals injured.
The Houthis have historically attacked international shipping in the Red Sea and launched missile strikes toward Israel, claiming solidarity with Palestinians amid ongoing conflicts. Although these attacks ceased during a fragile ceasefire in Gaza last January, the Houthis threatened to resume their aggression following Israel’s recent humanitarian blockade in Gaza.
U.S. officials have long accused Iran of supplying military weapons to the Houthis, with U.S. Navy interceptions of Iranian missile parts bound for the rebels reinforcing these claims. General Hossein Salami, leader of Iran’s Revolutionary Guard, dismissed allegations of Iran’s involvement in the Houthis’ military strategies, stating that Iran does not dictate the operations of allied groups in the region.
Iranian Foreign Minister Abbas Araghchi urged the U.S. to stop its strikes, asserting that the U.S. lacks the authority to dictate Iran’s foreign policy. President Trump indicated a willingness to respond with significant military force until Houthi assaults on maritime routes cease. The airstrikes occurred shortly after the Houthis announced plans to resume targeting Israeli vessels in retaliation for Gaza’s blockade.
The Houthis executed over 100 attacks on merchant vessels amidst the Israel-Hamas conflict, resulting in numerous casualties. Historically, U.S., Israeli, and British forces have also targeted Houthi positions, but this operation on Saturday was exclusively conducted by U.S. forces and marked the first airstrike against the Houthis under Trump’s second term.
In summary, Iran has consistently denied providing aid to Yemen’s Houthi rebels, despite ongoing accusations from the United States. Airstrikes by the U.S. marked a significant escalation in response to Houthi threats against international shipping, prompted by the conflict in Gaza. Both U.S. and Iranian officials remain firm in their positions, with tensions continuing to impact regional stability.
Original Source: www.clickorlando.com
