Tehran: Iran strongly condemned the joint US-UK airstrikes on Houthi targets in Yemen on Friday, warning they would exacerbate regional "insecurity and instability." The strikes, targeting Yemeni ports and infrastructure, marked a rare escalation in the long-running war in the Arabian Peninsula.
Violation of Sovereignty and International Law:
Iranian Foreign Ministry spokesperson Nasser Kanaani asserted the airstrikes constituted a "clear violation of Yemen's sovereignty and territorial integrity, and a breach of international laws." He urged the international community to hold the US and UK accountable for their actions.
Iranian Foreign Minister Praises Houthis:
Foreign Minister Hossein Amirabdollahian took a more assertive stance, praising the Houthis' recent actions against "Israeli-linked vessels" and defending their efforts to maintain "maritime security." He further pressed the US to terminate its "all-out support" for Israel, particularly in relation to the ongoing conflicts in Gaza and the West Bank.
Yemen's "Admirable" Actions and Regional Stability:
In a statement on the X platform, Amirabdollahian described Yemeni actions against Israel as "admirable," adding that "Sanaa strictly adheres to maritime security." He emphasized that instead of targeting Yemen, the US should prioritize halting its military and security cooperation with Israel to promote regional stability.
Analysts Downplay Risk of Wider Conflict:
Despite the condemnations and vows of retaliation from the Houthis, analysts remained cautious about the immediate prospects of a wider regional conflict. They observed that Tehran, while critical of the airstrikes, would likely hesitate to get directly involved in a full-blown war, given its own domestic and regional challenges.
Future Trajectory Uncertain:
The airstrikes and Iran's response highlight the complex and volatile dynamics at play in the Middle East. While the immediate risk of a broader war may be limited, the incident adds another layer of tension and uncertainty to the ongoing conflict in Yemen. The international community is likely to keep a close watch on the evolving situation and its potential implications for regional stability.
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