Iran leans on Houthis as proxy forces suffer losses

Following a tumultuous year in the Middle East, Iran is turning to its influence over the Houthi terrorist group in Yemen to advance its offensive goals. Sources embedded in Tehran, affiliated with the People’s Mojahedin Organization of Iran, have revealed that top IRGC officials are actively involved in Houthi decision-making, with Supreme Leader Ayatollah Ali Khamenei closely overseeing the group’s activities.

President Donald Trump’s recent warnings against Tehran’s support for the Houthis are backed by a report from the National Council of Resistance of Iran (NCRI), which indicates that a senior IRGC Quds Force commander is directly commanding Houthi operations. Khamenei reportedly plays a pivotal role in approving and supervising all Houthi political and military actions, emphasizing the importance of attacks and the supply of weapons.

As Iran’s proxies face setbacks in Gaza, Lebanon, and Syria, the regime is increasingly relying on its allies in Iraq and Yemen. Recent Houthi attacks on commercial shipping vessels have drawn international attention, prompting President Trump to threaten strong military action to deter further aggression. The exchange of missile and drone strikes between the Houthis and U.S. forces has escalated tensions in the region.

The report also highlights IRGC Brig. Gen. Abdolreza Shahlai’s role in overseeing Iran’s intervention in Yemen, including Houthi operations. The close ties between Shahlai and the late Qassem Soleimani, former Quds Force commander, underscore Iran’s continued involvement in regional conflicts. The report further notes that the Iranian Embassy in Yemen is effectively controlled by the Quds Force, raising concerns about the regime’s activities in the country.

Ali Safavi, a member of the NCRI’s Foreign Affairs Committee, emphasizes the need for international support for the Iranian resistance and the designation of the IRGC as a terrorist organization. Safavi calls for a unified approach to address Iran’s destabilizing activities and advocates for the empowerment of resistance units within Iran.

In conclusion, Iran’s escalating involvement in Yemen through its support for the Houthi group poses a significant challenge to regional stability. The international community must take decisive action to address Iran’s aggressive behavior and support the Iranian people in their quest for freedom from the oppressive regime.