By Burnett Munthali
Iran is facing renewed scrutiny over its relationship with Yemen’s Houthi movement following the group’s reported military advances along the Red Sea coast, including the capture of the strategic port city of Mocha and positions near the Bab al-Mandeb Strait.
The developments have renewed debate over the extent of Iranian support for the Houthis and whether Tehran has contributed to their recent battlefield successes.
Al Jazeera reports that US media have alleged that Islamic Revolutionary Guard Corps (IRGC) advisers assisted Houthi commanders with military planning, communications and intelligence.
Iran, however, has rejected claims that it directs Houthi military operations.
Iranian President Masoud Pezeshkian has also denied a direct connection between Tehran and Houthi actions and called for negotiations between the Houthis and Saudi Arabia to end the conflict.
The Houthis’ reported capture of Mocha is described by the IRGC as a “divine triumph”, reflecting Tehran’s public support for the group’s advances.
However, Yemen expert Nicholas Brumfield, cited by Al Jazeera, said Iran provided advisory and logistical support to the Houthis but noted that the group also possesses significant domestic military capabilities and can mobilise large numbers of Yemeni fighters.
The latest advances have raised concerns beyond Yemen because the Bab al-Mandeb Strait is a major international shipping route linking the Red Sea with the Gulf of Aden.
