Iran’s deputy foreign minister has rejected U.S. allegations that Tehran was involved in Yemeni rebels’ attacks on commercial ships, asserting that the group was acting independently. The Pentagon claims that Yemen’s Iran-aligned Houthi rebels have carried out over 100 drone and missile attacks, targeting ten merchant vessels in the Red Sea in solidarity with Palestinians in Gaza, where Israel is engaged in a conflict with Hamas militants. However, the White House released U.S. intelligence on Friday, stating that Iran supplied drones, missiles, and tactical intelligence to the Houthis, who control significant parts of Yemen, including the capital, Sanaa.
Ali Bagheri, Iran’s deputy foreign minister, dismissed the accusations, stating that the Houthis act based on their own decisions and capabilities. He emphasized that the strength of the resistance movement should not be questioned, as certain powers, such as the U.S. and Israel, face strikes from the group. Iranian Foreign Minister Hossein Amir-Abdollahian also revealed that Washington had previously requested Iran to advise the Yemeni rebels against acting against U.S. and Israeli interests in the region. However, Amir-Abdollahian made it clear that Iran had not ordered the cessation of attacks, as the groups have autonomously decided to support Gaza based on their own interests.
The Gaza Strip has endured 11 weeks of Israeli air and ground attacks, resulting in the deaths of over 20,000 individuals, predominantly women and children. Israel has vowed to crush Hamas after the group conducted a cross-border attack that killed approximately 1,140 people in Israel, mostly civilians. Palestinian militants have also abducted around 250 people, with 129 individuals reportedly remaining in Gaza, according to Israel. Although Iran supports Hamas both financially and militarily, it denies any involvement in the October 7 attack on Israel. Iranian officials have repeatedly warned of an escalating conflict, with President Ebrahim Raisi asserting that Iran considers it their duty to support resistance groups, while also emphasizing their independence in decision-making and actions.
Last month, Tehran dismissed Israel’s allegations that Houthi rebels were acting under Tehran’s guidance when they seized a Red Sea ship owned by an Israeli businessman.
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