Abdul Malik al-Houthi, leader of Yemen’s Houthi movement, strongly condemned the recent US-Israeli strikes on Iran, describing them as “cruel, blatant, criminal and barbaric.” In a statement, he asserted that Iran is within its rights to respond by targeting American military bases in the region.
The Houthis are widely regarded as one of the militia groups supported by Iran, and their remarks come amid rapidly escalating tensions across West Asia.
‘Iran’s response will be decisive'
Al-Houthi said the attacks on the Islamic Republic were unjustified and warned that the regional fallout could intensify. “We are on alert for any necessary developments,” the statement said, adding that there was no concern about Iran’s ability to respond.
“There is no concern about the Islamic Republic of Iran regarding this aggression, because it is powerful, its position is strong, and its response will be decisive,” he said. While the statement did not explicitly confirm whether the Houthis would directly join the conflict, it signalled political and rhetorical backing for Tehran.
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‘Legitimate right’ to strike US bases
Al-Houthi further stated that Iran has a “legitimate right to target military bases belonging to Americans who are participating in aggression against the Islamic Republic of Iran.” The remarks underscore the risk of a broader regional confrontation, particularly as Iran-aligned groups across the Middle East monitor developments following the US-Israel strikes.
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With the Houthis's leadership voicing strong support for Iran and framing retaliation against US military installations as justified, concerns are mounting over the potential widening of the conflict. Whether allied militia groups formally enter the confrontation remains uncertain, but rhetoric from Tehran’s regional partners suggests tensions are far from easing.
