Iran’s Foreign Minister condemned U.S. airstrikes in Yemen, advocating for an end to the violence against the Yemeni people. President Trump defended the strikes as necessary against Houthi aggression, warning of consequences for Iran’s support of the Houthis. Both sides are entrenched in a conflict of accusations, emphasizing their respective positions regarding military involvement and regional alliances.
Iran’s Foreign Minister, Abbas Araghchi, has issued a strong condemnation of U.S. airstrikes in Yemen, urging the United States to cease its actions against the Yemeni population. In a statement on social media, he emphasized that the U.S. government lacks the authority to dictate Iranian foreign policy and highlighted the deaths of over 60,000 Palestinians, holding America accountable for its support of what he termed ‘Israeli genocide.’
On March 16, President Donald Trump declared that the U.S. had undertaken ‘decisive and powerful’ airstrikes against Houthi rebels in response to their attacks on shipping in the Red Sea. He accused the Houthis, whom he described as ‘funded by Iran,’ of engaging in piracy and violence that endangers lives and costs billions.
Trump also issued a stern warning to Iran, insisting that if it continues to support the Houthis, the U.S. would hold it accountable, stating, ‘we won’t be nice about it!’ Reports from Houthi health authorities indicated that the airstrikes resulted in at least 31 deaths and over 100 injuries, prompting the Houthis to pledge ongoing retaliation against Israeli targets unless the Gaza blockade is lifted.
The Houthis condemned both the U.S. and the UK for their military actions, although the UK did not participate directly in the strikes, instead providing logistical support. The Iranian Foreign Ministry’s spokesman, Esmail Baqai, labeled the U.S. and UK strikes as a gross violation of international law.
Iran recognizes the Houthis as Yemen’s legitimate government, although it denies arming them. Iranian officials routinely meet with Houthi representatives, reflecting their support. On the same date, Araghchi visited Muscat to discuss the recent U.S. attacks with Omani Foreign Minister Badr al-Busaidi.
Maj Gen Hossein Salami, the Commander-in-Chief of Iran’s Islamic Revolution Guards Corps, also rejected Trump’s claims of Iranian support for Houthi aggression, asserting the Houthis’ independence in strategic decision-making. He remarked, ‘The Islamic Republic of Iran clearly and openly takes responsibility for whatever it does.’
The Houthis, along with other groups like Hezbollah and pro-Iranian militias, are part of the ‘Axis of Resistance,’ a coalition of Iranian allied factions across the Middle East, illustrating Iran’s strategic alliances.
In summary, Iran has vocally condemned the U.S. airstrikes in Yemen while emphasizing its stance on supporting the Houthis as the legitimate government of Yemen. The tensions between the U.S. and Iran are escalating, particularly concerning accusations of Iranian support for the Houthis’ military actions. The U.S. holds Iran accountable for these proxy conflicts, leading to a complex interplay of military and political dynamics in the region.
Original Source: caspiannews.com
