Abram Pili: Tehran's regime actively creates instability in the region; the Islamic Republic is a serious supporter of the Houthis in Yemen

Abram Pili, the Deputy Special Representative of the United States for Iran, identified the Islamic Republic as a serious supporter of the Houthis in Yemen and stated that the United States will continue to work with allies and partners to expose and prevent Tehran's illegal actions and ensure freedom of navigation. In a post on 'X', Abram Pili added: 'The Iranian regime is trying to deny its support for the Houthis while simultaneously attempting to assist them in direct violation of UN Security Council Resolution 2216 and international law.' Referring to a recent CENTCOM action of seizing Iranian-made weapon supplies, such as missile components, sent to the Houthis by the U.S. Navy, he stated: 'This is another example of how the Tehran regime actively creates instability in the region and how the Houthis, supported by the Islamic Republic, have disrupted the global economy with their attacks on international commercial shipping since November.' On January 25, CENTCOM announced that the U.S. Navy seized a vessel engaged in the illegal transport of advanced weapons from Iran to the Houthis near the coast of Somalia. According to CENTCOM, in this operation conducted in international waters of the Arabian Sea near the coast of Somalia, components of Iranian-made ballistic and cruise missiles were confiscated. Meanwhile, on January 10, the UN Security Council issued a resolution calling on the Iran-backed Houthis to immediately stop attacks on shipping lines. The U.S. Secretary of State also announced on January 17 that the 'Ansar Allah' group, commonly known as the Houthis, will be designated as an international terrorist group by the U.S. within 30 days. Antony Blinken added that if the Houthis cease their attacks in the Red Sea and Gulf of Aden, the U.S. will reassess its decision to designate them as a terrorist organization. Another commercial vessel was attacked in the Gulf of Aden, and commercial companies are concerned about the consequences of ongoing tensions in the Red Sea. The U.S. government is changing its stance; the U.S. is again designating the Houthis as 'global terrorists.' Qatar states that the best way to stop Houthi attacks is to end the war in Gaza. Reuters reports that the U.S. targeted Houthi anti-ship missiles. The insecurity in the Red Sea continues; another transport ship was targeted by a missile attack. The U.S. discovered and seized 'Iranian-made weapons' for the Houthis. CENTCOM reported that Iran-backed Houthis attacked a U.S.-owned ship with missiles.