Controversial statements: Tehran disavows Houthi attacks on international shipping

Controversial statements: Tehran disavows Houthi attacks on international shipping
Iran's claim of inability to control Houthi actions contradicts documented reports of ongoing military and financial support, raising questions about the true nature of Iran's position and its relatio
September 24, 2024, 11:30 pm

بزشكيان

The Iranian President sparked wide controversy during his press conference on Monday with American media in New York, where he attempted to disavow his country's responsibility for the actions of the Houthis in Yemen.

The President stated that the Iranian government "does not seek to expand the war in the Middle East," claiming that the Houthis in Yemen "do not listen to orders from the Iranian government."

Bzeshkian claimed that the Houthi group in Yemen enjoys independence in decision-making and carrying out repeated attacks on commercial ships in the Red Sea, adding: "It's not that the Houthis are waiting in Yemen until we tell them what to do or not to do."

He continued: "Even within our country, there are those who disagree with us and have their own beliefs. We try to prevent extremism and reckless behavior within our country, so how can we control those outside who are motivated by their beliefs and feelings? They cannot listen to us."

These statements come at a time when the Houthis in Yemen are considered part of Tehran's proxy forces in the ongoing war in the Middle East, and receive financial and military support from the Iranian government, according to Western and regional intelligence reports.

According to the German news agency "Deutsche Welle," this group has so far launched dozens of attacks on ships passing through the Red Sea, including the oil tankers "Sunion," "Delta Blue," and "Delta Atlantica," which resulted in the sinking of at least two ships and the death of three crew members.

The agency reports that the Iranian-backed Houthi group, which controls the most populous areas in Yemen, continues to carry out drone and missile attacks on ships passing through the Red Sea and the Gulf of Aden since the first weeks of the current war in Gaza, claiming support for the Palestinians.

In this context, studies conducted by prestigious American research centers pointed to the continuation of Iranian support for the Houthis, confirming that "the relationship between Iran and the Houthis goes beyond mere logistical support to reach the level of strategic coordination."

Iran's attempts to disavow responsibility for the Houthis' actions come at a time when international pressure on Tehran is increasing. On the other hand, Gulf diplomatic sources confirm that the Iranian President's statements do not reflect the reality on the ground, and that Iran bears full responsibility for destabilizing the region through its support for armed groups.

The developments highlight the complexities of the regional scene and raise questions about the future of Iranian influence in the region, especially in light of increasing international efforts to secure navigation in the Red Sea and protect global economic interests. Questions remain about the sincerity of Iranian statements and their impact on the course of events in the region.

Levant - Agencies

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