Iran’s Supreme Leader, Ayatollah Ali Khamenei, condemned U.S. military strikes on Yemen as a “crime” and emphasized the need to prevent further attacks on the Houthi militia. His remarks come as regional tensions escalate, particularly following renewed Israeli airstrikes on Gaza. The ongoing conflict underscores the broader struggle between U.S.-allied forces and Iranian proxies, with the Houthis vowing to retaliate against Israeli-linked shipping.
Iran’s Supreme Leader, Ayatollah Ali Khamenei, has issued a stern condemnation of the recent U.S. military strikes on Yemen, labeling them as a “crime that must be stopped.” In a video statement, he expressed concern over the attacks against the Houthi militia and emphasized the necessity to avert further escalation. These comments emerge during a time of heightened regional tensions, which coincides with the resumption of Israeli airstrikes on Gaza and renewed Houthi threats against shipping linked to Israel.
The ongoing conflict in Yemen illustrates the extensive struggle between U.S.-allied forces and Iran’s regional allies. The recent attacks by the Houthis on shipping in the Red Sea, coupled with the U.S. military retaliation, represent a critical juncture that risks further destabilizing the Middle East. Khamenei’s remarks reflect Iran’s unwavering support for the Houthis while opposing U.S. involvement.
In his address, Khamenei accused the United States of facilitating Israeli airstrikes in Gaza, asserting that such operations were conducted with “U.S. permission, or support and green light.” He urged “freedom-seekers around the world” to unite against Israel during his remarks coinciding with the Persian New Year. Iran’s foreign ministry denounced the U.S. airstrikes on Yemen as “war crimes,” drawing a parallel to Israel’s military actions in Gaza.
U.S. officials have confirmed that their recent military strikes in Yemen have targeted high-ranking Houthi officials. However, the Houthi-run health ministry claims that these strikes resulted in at least 53 fatalities and nearly 100 injuries. This operation signifies the first U.S. military engagement in Yemen since President Donald Trump assumed office in January.
The Houthis, aligned with Iran’s “axis of resistance” against Israel and the U.S., have vowed to escalate their threats against vessels linked to Israel, responding to the nation’s blockade of aid to Gaza. Previously, the group had interrupted shipping lanes in the Red Sea amid the Gaza conflict, which began on October 7, 2023, taking operational breaks during a ceasefire in January.
As the humanitarian crisis in Gaza worsens, Khamenei has characterized Israeli airstrikes as a “catastrophic crime,” holding Washington accountable for its role in assisting Israel’s military endeavors. The evolving scenario suggests that the U.S. is likely to persist in targeting Houthi military assets, while the Houthis’ renewed threats could precipitate additional U.S. actions, exacerbating the risk of a wider regional conflict.
Ayatollah Ali Khamenei’s condemnation of U.S. actions in Yemen highlights ongoing tensions. The situation underscores the larger geopolitical struggle between U.S.-aligned forces and Iranian proxies such as the Houthis. With Khamenei’s calls to unite against perceived aggressors and the U.S. intent to continue military actions, the risk of further escalation in the region remains significant. This dynamic reflects the challenges of achieving stability in a conflict-ridden environment.
Original Source: www.newsweek.com
