Iran's Revolutionary Guards warn of 'decisive' response to US airstrikes
What's the story
Iran's Islamic Revolutionary Guard Corps (IRGC) has issued a stern warning of a "decisive" response to any potential attack. This comes after US President Donald Trump's airstrikes on Yemen's Houthi rebels and his demand to Tehran to cease its support for the group. The strikes, aimed at securing Red Sea shipping routes, killed 53 according to Houthi health officials.
Response
IRGC chief rejects Trump's warnings
Hossein Salami, chief of Iran's Revolutionary Guards, dismissed Trump's warnings in a televised address. "Iran will not wage war, but if anyone threatens, it will give appropriate, decisive and conclusive responses." Salami also defended the Houthis as "the representative of the Yemenis," saying they make their "strategic and operational decisions" independently.
Condemnation
Iran's foreign ministry condemns US airstrikes
Iran's Foreign Ministry Spokesman Esmaeil Baqaei denounced the US airstrikes as "brutal" and a "gross violation of the principles of the UN Charter." Abbas Araghchi, Iran's top diplomat, also knocked Washington for its stance on Tehran's foreign policy. On X, he said "the United States Government has no authority, or business, dictating Iranian foreign policy," and asked the US to "stop the killing of Yemeni people."
Resistance alliance
Houthis's role in the regional conflict
The Houthis, who have held much of Yemen for over a decade, are part of the "axis of resistance," a pro-Iran alliance opposed to Israel and the US. The group has carried out strikes against Israel and shipping in the Red Sea during the Gaza war, claiming solidarity with Palestinians. The recent US airstrikes are Washington's first military action against the Houthis since Trump took office in January.