Iran has once again denied supporting Yemen’s Houthi rebels following a series of airstrikes by the United States. President Donald Trump issued a warning that Tehran would be “fully accountable” for any actions taken by the rebels. The Health Ministry run by the Houthis reported that the airstrikes resulted in the deaths of at least 31 individuals, including women and children, with over 100 others wounded. The rebels claimed that one strike targeted two homes in northern Saada province, leading to the deaths of four children and a woman. Images of the alleged casualties were shown on the rebel-controlled Al-Masirah TV.
The Houthis have been involved in targeting international shipping in the Red Sea and launching missiles and drones towards Israel, citing solidarity with Palestinians in Gaza. The attacks paused following a ceasefire between Israel and Hamas in Gaza in January, but the Houthis threatened to resume them after Israel restricted humanitarian aid to Gaza this month. Accusations have been made against Iran for providing military support to the Houthis, and the U.S. Navy seized Iranian-manufactured missile components and other weaponry destined for the rebel group, who currently hold control over Yemen’s capital, Sanaa, and the northern regions of the country.
Gen. Hossein Salami of Iran’s Revolutionary Guard rejected allegations of Iran’s involvement in the Houthis’ actions, stating that Iran does not influence the operational decisions of its allied militant groups in the region. Iranian Foreign Minister Abbas Araghchi urged the U.S. to cease the airstrikes, asserting that Washington cannot dictate Iran’s foreign policy. Trump had previously declared his intent to use force until the Houthis cease their assaults on shipping routes in the maritime corridor.
The recent airstrikes occurred in response to the Houthis’ announcement of renewed attacks on Israeli vessels near Yemen, prompted by Israel’s blockade of Gaza. The attacks on over 100 merchant ships by the Houthis resulted in the sinking of two vessels and the deaths of four sailors between October 2023 and January of this year. While previous strikes on Houthi-held areas were carried out by the U.S., this operation was solely conducted by U.S. forces, marking the first strike on the Houthis during the current Trump administration.
