Yemen’s government declares a major operation against the Houthis, and other Mideast news
Yemen’s Government Declares a Major Operation Against Houthis
Bharatmorning.com – Yemen’s government declares a major military operation against the Iran-backed Houthi movement, escalating fighting near the southwestern city of Taiz. The announcement has raised fresh concerns about a wider return to conflict after years of relative calm.
Campaign Focuses on Houthi-Held Areas
Rashad al-Alimi, head of Yemen’s Presidential Leadership Council, announced the operation from Saudi Arabia. He said the campaign aims to recover territory that remains under Houthi control.
The Houthis recently expanded their hold over Yemen’s Red Sea coastline and the Bab el-Mandeb Strait. The narrow waterway links the Red Sea and the Gulf of Aden, making it important for international commercial shipping.
“Recovering the remaining territories”
Yemen’s government declares a major operation as the Houthis press their offensive around Taiz, a city that has faced a rebel siege for more than a decade. Fighting has disrupted a key road between Taiz and Aden, where the Saudi-backed government is based.
Al-Alimi called for international support for government forces and allied groups. Renewed clashes between Saudi-backed Yemeni forces and the Houthis have effectively revived the country’s civil war following a four-year ceasefire.
Strikes Reported in Sanaa and Saada
The Houthis said overnight strikes hit Sanaa, Yemen’s capital, without providing further details. Yemen’s military, backed by Riyadh, said it struck what it described as vital targets in Sanaa and Saada province near the Saudi border.
The battle for Taiz remains especially significant because the city has long been one of Yemen’s main urban front lines. Restrictions on roads and movement have affected trade, civilian travel and access to basic goods.
Iran Raises Diplomacy and Strait of Hormuz Concerns
Iranian Parliament speaker Mohammad Bagher Qalibaf said the United States had recently sent proposals through a mediator, though he did not reveal their contents. His remarks followed President Donald Trump’s statement that he rejected Iran’s latest peace proposal because it did not meet U.S. expectations.
Qalibaf said Washington’s public statements differed from its messages during negotiations. He added that Iran’s seven conditions for fully reopening the Strait of Hormuz remain unchanged.
“The era of dragging out time and dictating unilateral demands is over.”
Foreign Minister Abbas Araghchi said Iran remained willing to pursue a diplomatic settlement, while warning that any renewed military confrontation would bring a stronger Iranian response. He also denied that an Iranian delegation had been expelled from the United States after the annual U.N. gathering, saying its return had been scheduled.
Iran’s Oil Sector Faces Added Pressure
Iranian state television reported that Oil Minister Mohsen Paknejad resigned and that President Masoud Pezeshkian accepted the resignation. Hamid Bovard was named caretaker oil minister, with no immediate explanation given for the change.
The development comes as tougher U.S. sanctions and a naval blockade place heavy pressure on Iran’s oil sales. Tehran has linked the lifting of export restrictions and an end to the blockade to negotiations over reopening the Strait of Hormuz.
FAQ: What Does Yemen’s Major Operation Mean?
Why is Taiz important? Taiz is a major Yemeni city and a long-standing battlefield. Fighting around its roads can affect travel, trade and the movement of essential supplies.
Why does the Bab el-Mandeb Strait matter? The strait is a critical passage between the Red Sea and Gulf of Aden. Its security matters because commercial ships use it to move goods through the region.
What is the main goal of the operation? Yemen’s government declares a major campaign with the stated aim of recovering territory still controlled by the Houthis.