Yemen’s Houthis refuse to reduce their military activities against Israeli shipping despite U.S. pressure and Iranian appeals. The group’s foreign minister stated they will continue to act in support of Palestinians, highlighting that they have the right to self-defense amid heightened U.S. strikes in Yemen. Concerns regarding potential Gulf state intervention and the broader implications of U.S.-Iran tensions further complicate the situation.
Yemen’s Houthis remain resolute in their actions against Israeli shipping in the Red Sea, disregarding both U.S. military pressure and appeals from allies such as Iran. This announcement was made by Jamal Amer, the Houthi foreign minister, following a recent series of U.S. strikes in Houthi-controlled regions, which coincided with the group’s declaration to resume attacks to support Palestinians in Gaza.
Two senior Iranian officials disclosed that Iran had communicated a message urging the Houthis to de-escalate tensions. Additionally, Iran’s foreign minister requested Oman to reinforce this message during a recent visit. Nonetheless, Iran has not publicly addressed this outreach, affirming that the Houthis operate independently.
U.S. President Donald Trump has indicated a willingness to hold Iran liable for any Houthi attacks. Amer emphasized that the Houthis will not cease operations until the Gaza aid blockade is lifted, highlighting that “Iran is not interfering in our decision.” He noted that while there were calls from various powers for the Houthis to de-escalate, the conflict with the U.S. justifies their defensive actions.
Iran has expressed increasing worry about becoming more deeply entangled in the conflict with the United States, which has escalated following direct strikes exchanged between Iran and Israel last year. Trump has intensified a sanctions campaign against Iran since his return to office, further complicating regional tensions.
The Houthis reiterated their alignment with Iran and its network without being subservient. Their recent attacks on Israeli shipping were justified as solidarity with the Palestinians in response to Israel’s blockade, which commenced on March 2 as tensions mounted over Gaza.
Having launched over 100 attacks on shipping since November 2023, the Houthis suspended operations following a ceasefire in January but resumed after Israel failed to meet their demands. Amer mentioned that the Houthi objective was to solely target Israeli vessels but indicated a right to self-defense amid U.S. escalation.
As U.S. strikes continue, causing substantial casualties, some European Union countries have counseled the Houthis against further escalation. Notably, Saudi Arabia has yet to engage militarily against the Houthis, a stance the group appreciates, though Amer warned of possible repercussions should Gulf states intervene directly.
In conclusion, the Houthis remain steadfast in their military actions against Israeli shipping despite external pressures from both the United States and Iran. With the ongoing conflict escalating and the regional dynamics shifting, the Houthis assert their rights to defense while emphasizing their independence in decision-making. Any potential intervention by Gulf states could exacerbate the situation further, demonstrating the complexity of Yemen’s civil war and its implications for regional security.
Original Source: www.newarab.com
