Tehran: Iran has again denied any involvement in supporting Yemen’s Houthi rebels following a new wave of US airstrikes against the group and a stern warning from President Donald Trump, who stated that Tehran would be held “fully accountable” for its actions. The strikes, reported by the Houthi-run Health Ministry, resulted in at least 31 deaths, including women and children, and left over 100 people wounded. In one incident, a strike in northern Saada province hit two homes, killing four children and a woman, with rebel-run Al-Masirah TV showing images purportedly depicting the aftermath.
The Houthis, who have long targeted international shipping in the Red Sea and launched missiles and drones at Israel as a show of solidarity with Palestinians in the Gaza Strip, have been active in their operations despite a fragile ceasefire in Gaza that took effect in January. However, their threats to resume attacks intensified after Israel cut off humanitarian aid to Gaza this month, adding another layer of complexity to the ongoing regional tensions.
This latest development comes amid heightened scrutiny of Iran’s regional activities, with the US and its allies closely monitoring any potential links between Tehran and the Houthi movement. The incident, updated at 2:23 PM GMT+5 on March 16, 2025, from Cairo by AP correspondent Samy Magdy, underscores the volatile environment in the region as various actors continue to maneuver amid longstanding conflicts and shifting alliances.
Additional reports indicate that while the Houthis claim responsibility for several operations aimed at disrupting shipping routes and targeting strategic locations, Iran maintains that it does not provide support to the group. The situation remains dynamic as regional powers navigate the intertwined issues of humanitarian aid, security, and geopolitical influence in an area still reeling from years of conflict
