Yemen government claims Iran directs Iraqi and Houthi attacks against Saudi Arabia

Yemen's internationally recognized government has accused Iran of orchestrating attacks by pro-Iranian militias from Iraq and Houthi rebels against Saudi Arabia's energy infrastructure. The Yemeni Minister of Information, Muamar al-Eryani, asserted that the simultaneous nature of these attacks confirms a unified command and objective.

Al-Eryani stated on X that this represents an Iranian strategy to shift threat centers from the Strait of Hormuz to the Red Sea and the Bab al-Mandeb Strait. He warned that these actions aim to disrupt international navigation and global energy supplies, characterizing them not as a new phase of the Yemeni conflict but as part of a broader Iranian strategy.

These accusations come as Saudi Arabia announced it had intercepted multiple drones launched from Iraq targeting its energy infrastructure in Riyadh and the Western Region. Concurrently, the Houthi movement claimed responsibility for attacks on several critical oil supply points within the Saudi kingdom.

The Houthis stated their attacks were in retaliation for Saudi Arabia's alleged violations of Yemeni airspace. Saudi Arabia has been involved in the conflict in Yemen since 2015, intervening against the Houthi rebels. Tensions have recently escalated following the bombing of Sanaa airport, which the Houthis blamed on Riyadh, leading to retaliatory attacks and a maritime blockade in the Red Sea.

Al-Eryani further elaborated that the Houthi blockade of the Red Sea is part of an Iranian plan to disrupt supply chains and increase the costs of trade and energy. He cautioned that the consequences of such actions would extend beyond the Middle East, impacting global energy security and economies.