Iran flew IRGC commanders, missile gear to Yemen's Houthis, sources say

Iran has reportedly transferred Islamic Revolutionary Guard Corps (IRGC) commanders, military advisers, and missile and drone-related equipment into Yemen this month. Four sources familiar with the matter, including two Iranian sources, indicated that the transfer occurred on a Mahan Air flight from Tehran to Yemen on July 13.

This action suggests Tehran is seeking to bolster the capabilities of its Houthi allies, potentially increasing their ability to threaten shipping in the Red Sea. The two Iranian sources stated that between 10 and 21 IRGC personnel, including senior commanders, were aboard the flight. The plane was initially destined for Sanaa, the Houthi-controlled capital, but diverted to the port city of Hodeidah after the airport came under attack.

"The IRGC commanders traveled there to support Houthi operations and provide training on new missile systems," one source explained, adding that Iran also sent gold to fund Houthi activities. This deployment provides further evidence of Iran's efforts to support the Houthis, who have been engaged in a protracted civil war against the Saudi-backed Yemeni government and have launched attacks on Gulf neighbors.

Tehran has consistently denied providing the Houthis with missile capabilities. The report emerges shortly after Iran allegedly asked the Houthi movement to prepare to close the Red Sea oil route if the United States struck Iranian power infrastructure. This request heightened concerns about global energy supplies. The Houthis subsequently announced a naval blockade of Saudi Arabia, citing the bombing of Sanaa airport, and claimed to have attacked two Saudi oil tankers, signaling a potential end to a four-year truce.

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The IRGC commanders traveled there to support Houthi operations and provide training on new missile systems.