Iran reportedly dispatched Islamic Revolutionary Guard Corps (IRGC) commanders, military advisers, and missile and drone equipment to Yemen shortly before Houthi rebels attacked two Saudi oil tankers in the Red Sea. The flights, which allegedly occurred on July 13, carried between 10 and 21 IRGC personnel from Tehran to Yemen, according to four sources familiar with the matter cited in a Reuters report.
One source stated that the IRGC commanders were sent to bolster Houthi operations and provide training on new missile systems, adding that Iran also sent gold to finance Houthi activities. Yemen's Saudi-backed government claimed the plane carrying the Iranian team and equipment was targeted when it attempted to land at Sanaa airport, violating the country's airspace. The Houthis initially asserted the aircraft was carrying civilians returning from a funeral in Iran.
The plane eventually landed at the Houthi-controlled Hodeidah airport, which was followed by exchanges of fire between the rebels and Saudi Arabia, leading to the rebels declaring a blockade on Saudi ports. Moammar al-Iryani, information minister for Yemen’s Saudi-backed government, asserted that the country's intelligence confirmed the transfer of military experts and equipment, stating their mission was to enhance the militias' military capabilities and readiness to threaten maritime security in the Red Sea and the Bab al-Mandab Strait.
These developments come as the Houthi attacks have already caused several vessels to alter course along the critical trade route. President Trump responded to the attacks by vowing to hold Iran accountable, characterizing the Houthis as proxies. He stated on Truth Social that if further attacks occur, the U.S. would inflict "major military punishment upon Iran and, of course, the Houthis."