This Post Is Recently Updated on Dec 23, 2023 @ 23:55 pm by TBB Desk
Iran has been in the spotlight for its alleged involvement in various regional conflicts, particularly its support for Hamas and the Huthi rebels in Yemen. Despite praising the October 7 attack on Israel by Hamas, Iran has categorically denied any direct involvement in these conflicts.
On Saturday, Iran’s deputy foreign minister, Ali Bagheri, refuted US accusations that Tehran was involved in attacks by Yemeni rebels on commercial ships in the Red Sea. The Pentagon has reported that Yemen’s Iran-aligned Huthi rebels have launched over 100 drone and missile attacks, targeting 10 merchant vessels in the Red Sea, expressing solidarity with Palestinians in Gaza amidst the ongoing conflict with Israel.
The White House, on Friday, released US intelligence indicating that Iran had provided drones, missiles, and tactical intelligence to the Huthis, who control significant parts of Yemen, including the capital, Sanaa. However, Bagheri insisted that the Huthis operate independently, using their resources and making their own decisions.
The Gaza Strip has been enduring Israeli air and ground attacks for 11 weeks, resulting in over 20,000 casualties, mostly women and children, as per the health ministry in the Hamas-run territory. Israel’s offensive is in response to a cross-border attack by Hamas on October 7, which, according to an AFP tally based on Israeli figures, killed about 1,140 people in Israel, mostly civilians. Palestinian militants also abducted approximately 250 people, with 129 reportedly still in Gaza.
Iran’s support for Hamas, both financially and militarily, has been openly acknowledged, though it denies direct involvement in the attacks. The Islamic republic has warned of a widening conflict in the region, with Foreign Minister Hossein Amir-Abdollahian stating last month that the war’s intensity makes its expansion inevitable. President Ebrahim Raisi has asserted Iran’s duty to support resistance groups but maintained their independence in decision and action.
In a separate incident, Tehran dismissed Israel’s claims that Huthi rebels acted under its guidance when seizing a Red Sea ship owned by an Israeli businessman as “invalid.”
Key Points
- Iran’s Denial of Involvement: Despite supporting Hamas, Iran denies direct involvement in regional conflicts.
- Huthi Rebels’ Attacks: Over 100 attacks on merchant vessels in the Red Sea, reportedly supported by Iran.
- Gaza Conflict: Ongoing Israeli attacks in response to Hamas’ cross-border attack, resulting in high casualties.
- US Intelligence on Iran’s Support: Claims of Iran providing resources to Huthi rebels in Yemen.
- Widening Conflict Warning: Iranian officials warn of an inevitable expansion of the war.
