Iran Denies Support for Houthi Rebels Following U.S. Airstrikes
Iran has denied aiding Yemen’s Houthi rebels after the U.S. conducted airstrikes in Sanaa, following President Trump’s threats to employ “overwhelming lethal force” against the group. The airstrikes resulted in numerous casualties, and Iran’s leadership rejected claims of involvement in Houthi operations, asserting independence from U.S. influence over its foreign policy.
On March 15, 2025, President Donald Trump authorized airstrikes on Houthi-controlled regions in Yemen, responding to attacks on international shipping and asserting a commitment to use “overwhelming lethal force.” Following these strikes, smoke was observed rising above the capital, Sanaa, as Yemeni authorities reported significant casualties, including women and children, totaling at least 31 fatalities and over 100 injuries.
The U.S. Navy’s involvement includes launching aircraft from the USS Harry S. Truman in the Red Sea, with images depicting the operations spread across news outlets. The Houthi leadership has claimed the airstrikes specifically targeted residential areas, resulting in numerous deaths, including children, with reports corroborated by Houthi-run media.
Iran has firmly rejected accusations of supporting the Houthis militarily following the air operations, maintaining that it plays no role in the operational decisions of the groups aligned with it, according to statements from Gen. Hossein Salami of Iran’s Revolutionary Guard. Furthermore, Iranian Foreign Minister Abbas Araghchi has urged the cessation of U.S. strikes, emphasizing that Iran’s foreign policies are not subject to U.S. directives.
Prior to the U.S. airstrikes, the Houthis had threatened to resume aggressive actions against Israeli vessels in response to Israel’s blockade on Gaza. Historically, they have targeted over 100 ships, culminating in two sinking incidents prior to the temporary ceasefire in the region.
Although the U.S., Israel, and Britain have conducted strikes against Houthi positions in the past, the March 15 airstrikes mark the first unilateral U.S. operation against the group in the second Trump administration. This escalation highlights ongoing tensions surrounding U.S.-Iran relations and their implications for maritime security in the region.
In conclusion, the recent U.S. airstrikes against Houthi positions in Yemen signify heightened military tensions amid ongoing regional conflicts. The U.S. response, characterized by the assertion of lethal force by President Trump, reflects concerns over international shipping security. Iran’s denial of aiding the Houthis adds further complexity to the geopolitical landscape, particularly in light of ongoing hostilities involving the Houthis and their threats to Israeli maritime operations.
Original Source: apnews.com
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