Yemen warns Houthis against engaging in 'Iranian agenda' military actions

2026-03-09 - 09:42

Yemen's Prime Minister Shaye Al-Zindani issued a stern warning Sunday to the Houthi group against engaging in any military actions serving Iran's agenda, following Israeli media reports that the Israeli army had detected movements of launch platforms inside Yemeni territory. Speaking during an emergency ministerial meeting of the Arab League held via videoconference to discuss regional developments, Al-Zindani cautioned the Houthis of the consequences of "engaging in any military adventures serving the Iranian agenda," stressing such actions could have serious repercussions. Rejection of Iranian interference Al-Zindani warned "against using Yemeni territory as a platform to target neighboring countries or international interests," saying this would represent "a direct threat to the security of Yemen and its people, as well as to regional security and stability." He expressed Yemen's rejection of all justifications and pretexts presented by the Iranian government for attacks on Arab countries, stressing the need for Iran to respect its international obligations. He called on Tehran to halt escalation policies and interference in the internal affairs of Arab states through support for militias and armed groups. Arab coordination needed The Prime Minister added that the challenges facing the Arab world require greater coordination and unified positions, strengthening the collective ability of Arab states to confront these threats. His remarks reflect growing concern among Arab nations about being drawn into the expanding conflict between Iran and US-Israeli forces. Israeli alert raised Al-Zindani's comments came a day after Israel's Channel 14 reported that Israeli security systems had recently detected activity and movements of launch platforms inside Yemeni territory believed to belong to the Houthi group. The report said the monitoring prompted Israeli security agencies to raise their level of alert amid fears of a possible missile launch from Yemen toward Israel. The Houthis have not issued any immediate comment on the Israeli media claims or on Al-Zindani's remarks. Regional context The developments come amid escalating military tensions across the Middle East. Since Feb. 28, Israel and the US have been carrying out attacks against Iran, which have reportedly killed hundreds of people, including Iran's Supreme Leader Ayatollah Ali Khamenei and several security officials. Iran has launched missile barrages and drones toward Israel while also targeting what it describes as "American interests" in several Gulf countries, Jordan and Iraq. Some attacks have resulted in casualties and damage to civilian facilities, prompting condemnation from targeted Arab states, which have called for an end to the attacks and warned against further regional escalation.