Iran’s Supreme Leader Ayatollah Khamenei condemned U.S. strikes on Yemen as a “crime that must be stopped.” He highlighted the broader conflict between U.S.-allied forces and Iran’s proxies, articulating Iran’s support for the Houthis, amidst accusations against the U.S. for enabling Israeli airstrikes on Gaza. The situation is exacerbated by ongoing humanitarian crises and threats to Red Sea shipping lanes, signaling increased risks of regional instability.
Iran’s Supreme Leader Ayatollah Ali Khamenei has condemned recent U.S. military strikes on Yemen, referring to them as a “crime that must be stopped.” In a video statement released on Thursday, he criticized the attacks targeting the Houthi militia, emphasizing the necessity of preventing further assaults. These declarations come amid rising tensions, particularly following Israeli airstrikes on Gaza and renewed threats from the Houthis against shipping linked to Israel.
The ongoing conflict in Yemen reveals a larger struggle between U.S.-allied forces and Iran’s regional proxies. The recent U.S. strikes against the Houthis, who have launched attacks on shipping in the Red Sea, could potentially destabilize the region even further. Khamenei’s remarks indicate Iran’s steadfast support for the Houthis alongside a strong disapproval of U.S. involvement in the conflict.
In his statements, Khamenei accused the United States of facilitating Israeli airstrikes on Gaza, suggesting these assaults proceeded with “U.S. permission, or support and green light.” He also urged “freedom-seekers around the world” to unite against Israel during the celebration of Persian New Year. Iran’s foreign ministry echoed his sentiments, denouncing the U.S. strikes as “war crimes” in conjunction with Israeli actions in Gaza.
Washington confirmed the recent airstrikes in Yemen led to the deaths of several senior Houthi officials, while reports from the Houthi-run health ministry indicate at least 53 fatalities and nearly 100 injuries. These were the first U.S. military actions in Yemen since President Donald Trump’s assumption of office in January.
The Houthis, seen as part of Iran’s “axis of resistance” against Israel and the U.S., have pledged to escalate attacks on vessels connected to Israel in response to the ongoing blockade of aid to Gaza. They had previously disrupted shipping lanes in the Red Sea following the onset of the Gaza war on October 7, 2023, albeit halting operations for a temporary ceasefire earlier in January.
As Israeli airstrikes in Gaza ramp up, the humanitarian crisis deepens. Khamenei condemned these airstrikes as a “catastrophic crime,” attributing culpability to Washington for backing Israel’s military efforts.
Iran’s Supreme Leader Ayatollah Ali Khamenei stated: “This attack on the people of Yemen, on Yemeni civilians, is a crime that must be stopped.” Conversely, U.S. President Donald Trump remarked on social media: “Tremendous damage has been inflicted upon the Houthi barbarians, and watch how it will get progressively worse… They will be completely annihilated!” Trita Parsi from the Quincy Institute for Responsible Statecraft cautioned that Trump could become entrapped in an unnecessary conflict, undermining efforts to reduce America’s military presence in the Middle East.
As tensions heighten, the U.S. is likely to persist in targeting Houthi military bases. The Houthis’ renewed threats to disrupt Red Sea trade routes raise the prospect of escalated U.S. military intervention, increasing the chances of broader regional conflict.
In conclusion, the escalating tensions resulting from U.S. military strikes on the Houthi militia reflect a complex struggle between U.S.-allied forces and Iranian proxies in the region. Khamenei’s strong condemnation of the strikes highlights Iran’s unwavering support for the Houthis, while the conflict in Yemen poses potential risks for stability in the broader Middle East. Continued military actions and escalated threats from the Houthis indicate a significant potential for future conflict necessary to monitor closely.
Original Source: www.newsweek.com
