Yemeni Houthis Resolve to Sustain Attacks on Israeli Shipping Despite U.S. Pressure
Yemen’s Houthis intend to continue their attacks on Israeli-linked shipping in the Red Sea, dismissing calls for de-escalation amidst U.S. military pressure. The group’s foreign minister stated their operations are aimed at supporting Palestinians in Gaza and maintain autonomy from Iranian influence. The situation remains tense as military actions escalate, with concerns over wider conflict implications involving the U.S. and Iran.
Yemen’s Houthi movement has vowed to persist with attacks on shipping linked to Israel in the Red Sea, rejecting calls for de-escalation, even in light of U.S. military pressure. Houthi Foreign Minister Jamal Amer made these statements following U.S. military actions against Houthi positions in Yemen and indicated that the group would continue their operations to support Palestinians in Gaza. Amer emphasized that their actions are independent and not dictated by Iran, despite Tehran’s mediating role.
In response to the conflict, Iranian officials have cautioned the Houthis to cool tensions, but the Houthis have signaled their intent to maintain their stance until the aid blockade of Gaza is lifted. Amer asserted, “There will be no talk of any dialing down of operations before ending the aid blockade in Gaza.” U.S. President Donald Trump has stated that Iran bears responsibility for any Houthi attacks, further complicating the geopolitical landscape.
Iran is increasingly concerned about its involvement in a potential conflict with the U.S., particularly as tensions heightened following direct strikes exchanged with Israel during the ongoing Gaza conflict. Echoing the complexities of this delicate situation, Amer remarked, “Now we see that Yemen is at war with the U.S. and that means that we have a right to defend ourselves with all possible means, so escalation is likely.”
The Houthis have been targeting Israeli ships since March 12, marking the resumption of their attacks after a pause during a ceasefire in Gaza. Amer claimed that the group’s focus remained on Israeli vessels, while simultaneously criticizing U.S. escalations leading to their defensive posture. The results of ongoing U.S. military operations have already resulted in significant casualties among the Houthi forces.
Despite receiving advisory measures against escalation from some European Union nations, the Houthis insist on their right to retaliate against any aggression. Amer noted that Saudi Arabia and other Gulf states have thus far refrained from military involvement, and the Houthis have requested that their neutral stance remain, warning that any intervention could escalate the conflict further.
In summary, the Houthis’ determination to target Israeli shipping in response to the crisis in Gaza remains unwavering despite international pressure to de-escalate. The group perceives its military actions as a form of self-defense against U.S. interventions. Tensions in the region seem likely to escalate as both Iranian and U.S. military influences intertwine with regional politics, underscoring the volatile nature of the current situation.
Original Source: www.marinelink.com
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