Yemen’s Houthis set to escalate conflict, reject US, Iran’s calls for calm

The Houthi movement in Yemen has vowed to continue its attacks on Israeli shipping in the Red Sea, despite increasing US military pressure and calls for de-escalation from its regional allies, including Iran.

The group’s Foreign Minister, Jamal Amer, made these remarks, following the recent wave of US strikes on areas controlled by the Iran-aligned Houthis in Yemen, Caliber.Az reports via foreign media.

Amer's comments come after the Houthis renewed their attacks on Israeli shipping routes in the Red Sea, citing solidarity with Palestinians in Gaza. Last week, the group announced it would resume its military actions in response to what it described as Israel’s ongoing aid blockade on Gaza.

“There will be no talk of any dialling down of operations before ending the aid blockade in Gaza. Iran is not interfering in our decision but what is happening is that it mediates sometimes but it cannot dictate things,” Amer stated, reiterating the Houthis' independence in their decisions.

Despite efforts from Iran, including a verbal message delivered to the Houthi envoy in Tehran, urging them to cool tensions, the Houthis remain resolute. Iran, which champions the Houthi cause, has distanced itself from direct involvement, with senior Iranian officials acknowledging that the group acts independently.

"Now we see that Yemen is at war with the US and that means that we have a right to defend ourselves with all possible means, so escalation is likely," Amer said, signaling the Houthis’ readiness to escalate the conflict further if necessary.

The US, under President Donald Trump, has taken a hardline stance against both the Houthis and Iran, with Trump vowing to hold Iran responsible for any Houthi attacks on US or allied interests. The US has conducted several airstrikes in Houthi-controlled areas, resulting in significant casualties. In response, Amer warned, "If they are hitting us from (US aircraft carrier USS Harry S.) Truman, we will retaliate by hitting Truman."

The renewed conflict over shipping in the Red Sea began in November 2023, with the Houthis launching more than 100 attacks targeting shipping in the region, citing their support for Palestinians in the face of Israeli military actions. The attacks had ceased temporarily during a ceasefire in January but resumed in mid-March, after the expiration of a Houthi-imposed deadline for Israel to lift its blockade on Gaza.

Amer emphasized that the group's operations had been solely focused on Israeli shipping but acknowledged the increasing US military involvement, which the Houthis see as an act of aggression. "The target was Israeli shipping," he explained, urging international powers to understand the group's rationale for defending its actions.

Despite the ongoing conflict, some European Union countries have expressed concern over the escalation, advising the Houthis to refrain from further aggression. Amer said that the Houthis have sought to reassure these nations of their limited objectives, which he insisted remain focused on Israeli targets alone.

Meanwhile, Saudi Arabia, which has supported the internationally recognized Yemeni government in its long-standing civil war with the Houthis, has so far refrained from direct military intervention in the latest conflict. Amer acknowledged this stance, stating that while the Houthis value the Gulf states’ neutrality, any change in position could lead to an escalation. "If any aircraft or base is used against us then we will escalate and we will defend ourselves, but if they (Gulf states) continue to be neutral we will stay away," he warned.

The Saudi government communications office did not immediately respond to a request for comment on Amer’s remarks.

By Vafa Guliyeva