Iran’s Supreme Leader Ayatollah Ali Khamenei condemned U.S. military actions in Yemen, labeling them a crime. Amid rising regional tensions involving Israel and the Houthis, Khamenei urged global unity against Israeli actions. The U.S. confirmed it targeted Houthi leaders, while the Houthis vowed to renew attacks on Israeli-linked vessels in response to their ongoing blockade of Gaza.
Iran’s Supreme Leader Ayatollah Ali Khamenei has condemned recent U.S. military strikes on Yemen, characterizing them as a “crime that must be stopped.” In a video statement, he criticized the attacks on the Houthi militia and warned that such actions should be curtailed. His comments follow increased regional tensions due to renewed Israeli airstrikes on Gaza and Houthi threats towards Israeli-linked shipping routes.
The conflict in Yemen highlights the greater confrontation between U.S.-allied forces and Iranian proxies. The Houthis’ attacks on shipping in the Red Sea, in conjunction with U.S. military responses, reveal a potential flashpoint that threatens to further destabilize the Middle East. Khamenei’s remarks reflect Iran’s unwavering support for the Houthis and a condemnation of U.S. engagement in the conflict.
Khamenei accused the U.S. of facilitating Israeli airstrikes on Gaza, asserting these operations occurred with “U.S. permission, or support and green light.” He called upon global “freedom-seekers” to unite against Israel during a celebration marking the Persian New Year. Moreover, Iran’s foreign ministry condemned the U.S. airstrikes as “war crimes” alongside Israel’s military actions in Gaza.
The U.S. has confirmed that its recent strikes in Yemen resulted in the death of several high-ranking Houthi officials. Conversely, the Houthi health ministry reported that these attacks caused at least 53 fatalities and nearly 100 injuries, marking the first U.S. military intervention in Yemen since the beginning of Donald Trump’s presidency.
The Houthis, part of Iran’s “axis of resistance” against Israel and the U.S., have pledged to resume attacks on vessels linked to Israel in retaliation for the blockade of aid to Gaza. They previously disrupted shipping lanes in the Red Sea following the escalation in Gaza, only ceasing operations briefly during a temporary ceasefire in January.
The humanitarian crisis in Gaza exacerbates as Israeli airstrikes intensify. Khamenei referred to these attacks as a “catastrophic crime,” blaming the U.S. for its role in supporting Israel’s military actions.
In light of the recent developments, the U.S. is anticipated to continue targeting Houthi military infrastructure. The Houthis’ renewed threats to disrupt Red Sea shipping routes could provoke further U.S. military action, increasing the risk of broader regional conflict.
The reactions from Iran and the U.S. following military actions emphasize the escalating tensions surrounding the conflict in Yemen and the broader Middle Eastern geopolitical landscape. Ayatollah Khamenei’s denunciation of the U.S. strikes coupled with the Houthis’ threats to maritime security highlight the precarious nature of regional stability. As the U.S. continues its military focus on the Houthis, the implications could lead to a significant escalation of hostilities in the region.
Original Source: www.newsweek.com
