An American Official: Operational Forces of the Islamic Republic Support Houthi Destructive Actions Inside Yemen

American officials say that Iranian agents and their Lebanese ally, Hezbollah, are operating inside Yemen to support the Houthi rebels' attacks on international shipping. According to AFP, Tim Lenderking, the U.S. special envoy for Yemen, told the Senate Foreign Relations Committee on Tuesday that the Islamic Republic of Iran is 'equipping and facilitating' Houthi attacks, which have led to retaliatory strikes by the U.S. and Britain on Yemen. Lenderking stated, 'Credible public reports indicate that a significant number of Islamic Republic and Hezbollah agents are supporting Houthi attacks from within Yemen.' He added, 'I cannot imagine that the people of Yemen want the presence of these Islamic Republic agents in their country. This must stop.' The White House stated in December that Iran is 'deeply involved' in planning attacks, while the Houthis claim these attacks are actions of solidarity with Palestinians amid the Israel-Hamas war. Last week, Lenderking also described Iran's assistance to the Houthis as a factor in the continuation of that group's attacks on ships in the Red Sea in an exclusive interview with VOA. He said, 'Iran is helping the Houthis in their attacks in the most destructive way.' According to Lenderking, the U.S. 'wants Iran to play a positive role, to help reduce tensions, not to exacerbate them.' Although international arms sanctions against the Islamic Republic of Iran have expired, UN sanctions against the Houthis remain in effect. As a result, Lenderking stated that the Iranian government is 'smuggling' weapons. The British newspaper Telegraph reported on January 9, citing its intelligence sources inside Iran, that the Houthi group has been trained at the 'Khamenei Marine Science and Technology University' in Zibakenar, Rasht, and that Ali Khamenei personally oversees their activities. CENTCOM: Houthi missile attack on American ship caused no damage. The fourth joint attack by the U.S. and coalition on Houthi positions; at least eighteen targets were hit. The fourth extensive attack on Houthi positions; coalition forces: We will not hesitate to defend human lives and the free flow of trade. Destruction of Houthi ballistic missiles; CENTCOM: They were fired at an American oil tanker. CENTCOM reported the destruction of seven Houthi missiles. CENTCOM: Houthi's baseless attacks on ships have also endangered the environment. The U.S. destroyed 9 Houthi drones and missiles as an 'imminent threat.' Four Middle Eastern nationals are being tried in the U.S. on charges of attempting to arm the Houthis.