Iran’s Supreme Leader Reacts to US Strikes on Houthis

Iran’s Supreme Leader Ayatollah Ali Khamenei has denounced recent U.S. military strikes on Yemen, calling them a “crime that must be stopped.”

In a video statement released on Thursday, Khamenei criticized the attacks on the Houthi militia, warning that they should be prevented. His remarks come amid heightened regional tensions following the resumption of Israeli airstrikes on Gaza and renewed Houthi threats against Israeli-linked shipping.

Newsweek has reached out the State Department and Iran’s foreign ministry for comment.

Why It Matters

The escalating conflict in Yemen underscores the broader struggle between U.S.-allied forces and Iran’s regional proxies. The Houthis’ attacks on shipping in the Red Sea and the U.S. military‘s retaliatory strikes mark a flashpoint that could further destabilize the Middle East. Khamenei’s statements signal Iran’s continued support for the Houthis while condemning U.S. involvement in the conflict.

What to Know

In his statement, Khamenei accused the U.S. of enabling Israeli airstrikes on Gaza, claiming the attacks were conducted with “U.S. permission, or support and green light.”

Marking the Persian New Year, he called on “freedom-seekers around the world,” to unite against Israel. Iran’s foreign ministry also condemned the US airstrikes on Yemen, labeling them “war crimes” alongside Israel’s ongoing military actions in Gaza.

In a separate message, Iranian President Masoud Pezeshkian urged for domestic integrity, improving relation with neighbouring nations and other nations in the world.

US Strikes Kill Houthi Officials

Washington confirmed that its recent strikes in Yemen targeted and killed several high-ranking Houthi officials. However, the Houthi-run health ministry reported that at least 53 people were killed and nearly 100 wounded in the attacks. The strikes marked the first U.S. military action in Yemen since President Donald Trump took office in January.

Houthis Escalate Threats

The Houthis, who are part of Iran’s so-called “axis of resistance” against Israel and the U.S., have vowed to renew attacks on Israeli-linked vessels in response to Israel’s blockade of aid to Gaza. The group previously disrupted Red Sea shipping lanes after the Gaza war began on October 7, 2023, halting operations during a temporary ceasefire in January.

Strikes on Gaza

The humanitarian crisis in Gaza continues to deepen as Israeli airstrikes intensify. Khamenei described the attacks as a “catastrophic crime,” blaming Washington for its role in supporting Israel’s military campaign.

What People Are Saying

Iran’s Supreme Leader Ayatollah Ali Khamenei said: “This attack on the people of Yemen, on Yemeni civilians, is a crime that must be stopped.”

U.S. President Donald Trump wrote on social media: “Tremendous damage has been inflicted upon the Houthi barbarians, and watch how it will get progressively worse — It’s not even a fair fight, and never will be. They will be completely annihilated!”

Trita Parsi, executive vice president of the Quincy Institute for Responsible Statecraft told Newsweek: “Trump may find himself – as previous presidents have – essentially trapped in an unnecessary war that directly undermines his goal of reducing America’s military footprint in the Middle East.”

What Happens Next

With tensions escalating, the U.S. is expected to continue targeting Houthi military infrastructure. The Houthis’ renewed threats to disrupt Red Sea trade routes could lead to further U.S. military action, heightening the risk of wider regional conflict.