Iran denies aiding Houthis amid US airstrikes

In the wake of a significant escalation in conflict, Iran once again denied providing support to Yemen's Houthi rebels following a series of US airstrikes targeting the militant group. These strikes occurred on March 16, 2025, as announced by the US military, with the Houthi-run Health Ministry reporting at least 31 fatalities, including women and children, as a consequence of the attacks. Among other harms reported, over 100 individuals sustained injuries, raising alarm over the strikes' impact on civilian life. The Houthis, known for frequently threatening international shipping routes in the Red Sea, announced intentions to renew hostile actions against Israeli vessels after the Israeli blockade on Gaza had led to severe humanitarian crises. This situation drew a strong reaction from the international community, with President Donald Trump asserting that Iran would be held “fully accountable” for its alleged involvement in the Houthi activities. The timing of the US strikes is particularly poignant, as tensions in the region remain high, especially concerning Israeli-Palestinian relations, exacerbated by ongoing conflict. US officials have long accused Iran of fostering the Houthi movement by providing military resources and assistance. Even prior to these airstrikes, the US Navy had intercepted Iranian-made weapons and missiles allegedly directed towards Yemen. This continuous allegation from US authorities has led to increased scrutiny on Iran's activities in the Middle East. During this period of heightened military engagement, the Iranian leadership, including General Hossein Salami of the Islamic Revolutionary Guard Corps, refuted claims regarding Tehran's participation in regional militant activities, emphasizing that Iran does not dictate the decisions of its allied groups. In light of these recent events, diplomatic tensions between the US and Iran appear to be escalating. Iran's Foreign Minister Abbas Araghchi has prompted the US to cease its strikes and affirmed that Washington cannot influence Iran’s policy decisions. The airstrikes targeted the leadership of the Houthi rebels, signaling not just military engagement but also asserting the US's stance on maintaining maritime security in vital corridor regions, thus impacting the ongoing dynamics of warfare and international relations in the Middle East.