Yemen Declares Major Operation Against Houthis Amid Regional Tensions
The Yemeni government announced a significant military push against Iran-backed rebels as a tanker was struck near the Strait of Hormuz and Iran engaged in diplomatic exchanges with the U.S.
Yemen's internationally recognized government has announced a major military operation against the Iran-backed Houthi rebels, signaling an escalation in the country's civil war. The announcement came as the rebels advanced in the outskirts of Taiz, a key southwestern city, and as other regional developments unfolded, including a strike on a tanker near the Strait of Hormuz and diplomatic discussions between Iran and the United States.
Rashad al-Alimi, head of Yemen's ruling Presidential Leadership Council, declared the operation aims at "recovering the remaining territories" controlled by the Houthis. The rebels recently seized control of Yemen's Red Sea coast and the Bab el-Mandeb Strait, their largest land grab in years. Al-Alimi, speaking from Saudi Arabia, called for international support for his government.
The Houthis have launched a significant offensive in recent days against government forces and their allies on the outskirts of Taiz, disrupting a vital road linking the city to Aden, the seat of al-Alimi's government. The rebels have maintained a siege on Taiz for over a decade.
Earlier, the Houthis stated that airstrikes hit the capital, Sanaa, overnight. The Yemeni military, backed by Saudi Arabia, claimed responsibility, reporting strikes on "vital targets" in Sanaa and the northern province of Saada, which borders Saudi Arabia. This recent escalation revives Yemen's civil war after a four-year ceasefire.
Meanwhile, Iran's parliament speaker, Mohammad Bagher Qalibaf, stated that the U.S. recently put forward proposals through a mediator. Qalibaf, who was a lead negotiator in direct talks with the U.S. earlier this year, indicated that Washington's proposals lacked specific details. He added that "the era of dragging out time and dictating unilateral demands is over" and that Iran's conditions for reopening the Strait of Hormuz remain unchanged.
Iranian Foreign Minister Abbas Araghchi told foreign mission representatives in Tehran that Iran is ready for diplomatic avenues to reach a "fair and honorable solution to end this war." However, he warned of a stronger response to any renewed military confrontation. Araghchi also refuted a U.S. claim that an Iranian delegation was expelled from the U.S. after the annual U.N. gathering, stating the delegation returned on a prearranged schedule.
In related news within Iran, President Masoud Pezeshkian accepted the resignation of the oil minister, Mohsen Paknejad. Hamid Bovard has been appointed as the caretaker oil minister. The reason for Paknejad's resignation was not immediately clear, but it comes as Iran's oil exports face pressure from U.S. sanctions and a naval blockade. Oil exports are a crucial source of government revenue for Tehran, which has demanded the lifting of sanctions and an end to the blockade as part of negotiations over the Strait of Hormuz.
In Gaza, an Israeli strike on a civilian vehicle resulted in one Palestinian fatality and at least 11 injuries, according to health officials. The Israeli military stated it targeted a Hamas militant. Separately, a volunteer with the Turkish aid agency Deniz Feneri Association was killed in an Israeli attack, with the Israeli military identifying the individual as the aid group's director and claiming to have "eliminated" a Hamas militant.
Palestinians in Gaza have reported an increase in Israeli fire and airstrikes over the past month. Israel maintains it is targeting militants and responding to ceasefire violations. Since a ceasefire was reached with Hamas nearly a year ago, Israeli strikes have killed at least 1,445 Palestinians in Gaza, according to the territory's Health Ministry. Seven Israeli soldiers have been killed in Gaza during the same period.
A projectile struck a tanker on the Strait of Hormuz, damaging its engine room, according to the United Kingdom Maritime Trade Operations Center. It remains unclear who was responsible for the attack, though the crew was reported safe. The UKMTO also noted that three tankers were struck on Saturday in the strait, with ongoing attacks on the Omani side, where the U.S. military has been guiding vessels. While overall ship traffic on the strait has improved, it remains below prewar levels, as do energy product shipments. U.S. Navy efforts have diminished Iran's control over the waterway, allowing Gulf countries to restore oil exports to near prewar levels via various pipelines.