Houthi foreign minister Jamal Amer claims Yemen is at war with the U.S., following American airstrikes. He warns Gulf states against interference and insists that Iran does not dictate Houthi actions. He affirms continued attacks on Israeli-linked ships until the blockade on Gaza is lifted, amidst complicated geopolitical tensions involving U.S. and Iranian interests.
Recently, Jamal Amer, the foreign minister of the Houthi government in Yemen, declared that the Houthis are effectively at war with the United States following the initiation of U.S. airstrikes in Yemen. He warned Gulf States, particularly Saudi Arabia and the UAE, against interfering in the conflict while expressing gratitude for their current neutrality.
The Iranian government, a key ally of the Houthis, reportedly sent messages to urge the Houthis to de-escalate tensions amid conflicts stemming from their renewed attacks on Israeli-linked ships in the Red Sea. Despite this, Amer insisted that Iran does not dictate Houthi actions.
In his interview, Amer emphasized that the Houthis would not reduce operations against Israeli-linked ships until the blockade on aid to Gaza ends. He rejected claims that Iran was influencing Houthi decisions, asserting that the Houthis are pursuing their right to self-defense against what they consider U.S. aggression.
Amer accused the U.S. of escalating the conflict, noting that the Houthis have focused their attacks solely on Israeli-associated vessels rather than international shipping. He also acknowledged that while Saudi Arabia has historically opposed the Houthis, it has refrained from military action in this escalation, likely due to the risks involved.
He cautioned Gulf states that military intervention could make them targets and reiterated that the Houthis would continue to defend themselves if attacked. Amer’s comments followed stern warnings from U.S. President Donald Trump, who threatened severe repercussions for Iran’s support of the Houthis.
Additionally, U.S. actions against the Houthis have disrupted global maritime trade, prompting ships to reroute away from the Suez Canal and significantly increasing shipping insurance costs. The Pentagon indicated that the goal of these airstrikes is not regime change but rather involves cessation of Houthi attacks, reflecting a complex and delicate situation in the region.
In summary, the recent statements by Houthi official Jamal Amer highlight an escalating conflict involving the United States and Iran amid tensions surrounding Yemen. The Houthis have declared their readiness to continue military operations against Israeli-linked targets, while also navigating regional diplomacy with Gulf states. Meanwhile, U.S. military actions signify a challenging environment that impacts global trade routes, accentuating the need for careful and diplomatic resolutions.
Original Source: www.ynetnews.com
