Iran condemns ‘arbitrary’ US, UK strikes on Yemen rebels

Iran denounced the recent military strikes carried out by the United States and the United Kingdom against Huthi rebels in Yemen. Tehran, a supporter of the Huthis, condemned the attacks as “arbitrary” and a blatant “violation” of international law.

The strikes occurred in response to weeks of missile and drone assaults by Huthi forces targeting ships in the Red Sea, purportedly in solidarity with Palestinians in Gaza.

Nasser Kanani, Iran’s foreign ministry spokesman, issued a statement condemning the military actions, characterizing them as a clear infringement on Yemen’s sovereignty and territorial integrity, and a breach of international laws and regulations. In a joint statement, the US and its allies emphasized their commitment to de-escalate tensions and restore stability in the Red Sea, where Huthi attacks have disrupted crucial maritime routes.

Kanani cautioned that the strikes on Yemen would only exacerbate insecurity and instability in the region, diverting attention from the ongoing conflict in Gaza. He called upon the international community to intervene and prevent the escalation of war. In response, rallies supporting Gaza and Yemen took place in several Iranian cities, with protesters expressing discontent towards the US, UK, and Israel.

The conflict context includes the ongoing Israel-Hamas war, which began on October 7 with Palestinian attacks on southern Israel. Iran, a staunch supporter of Hamas, denies direct involvement in the conflict, despite offering financial and military assistance. The situation has prompted a relentless military campaign by Israel in Gaza, resulting in a significant number of civilian casualties. Iran’s Foreign Minister Hossein Amir-Abdollahian warned in November that the intensity of the war made its expansion “inevitable.”

The Huthi rebels, part of the Tehran-aligned “axis of resistance” against Israel and its allies, seized the Yemeni capital Sanaa in 2014 and control substantial portions of the country. The US has accused Iran of significant involvement in Huthi maritime attacks, a claim Tehran denies. Iranian President Ebrahim Raisi has affirmed Iran’s support for resistance groups, emphasizing their independence in decision-making.