Iran's Foreign Ministry Denies Allegations of 'Sending Four Weapon-Laden Ships' to Yemen

Bahram Qasemi, spokesman for Iran's Foreign Ministry, has rejected recent allegations regarding the seizure of 'four weapon-laden ships' from Iran to Yemen. On November 1, Mr. Qasemi stated, 'These claims are false' and are made while 'numerous criticisms and protests from the awakened consciences of humanity and NGOs... against Saudi Arabia continue.' On November 6, Admiral Kevin Donegan, head of the U.S. Central Command, told a group of reporters, 'American and allied ships... have seized four weapon-laden ships from Iran heading to Yemen. We were aware that these ships came from Iran and knew their destination.' Mr. Qasemi also directed accusations towards Saudi Arabia, stating, 'In recent days, the world has witnessed an increase and intensification of the Saudi government's brutal air attacks on the people of Yemen, which continue their horrific crimes with the support of certain powers, and it is more regrettable that they receive rewards for killing and atrocities through their support for their membership in the UN Human Rights Council.' In recent weeks, various criticisms of the Saudi-led coalition have been published regarding attacks on civilian gathering places, schools, or medical centers. In mid-October, an airstrike on a mourning ceremony in Sana'a left over 140 dead; following that attack, the United States stated that 'strong support' for the Saudi-led coalition would once again be 'under immediate review.' Reports also emerged yesterday of an airstrike on a prison in Hudaydah, a region controlled by the Houthis, which left at least 60 dead. Iranian officials do not hide their support for the Houthi rebels in Yemen. Saudi Arabia and the coalition it leads also state that their goal is to restore power to Abdrabbuh Mansur Hadi, who fled to Aden and then Riyadh following the advance of the rebels. In this context, 'four Iranian weapon-laden ships destined for Yemen' have been seized in the past 18 months. An 'airstrike by the Arab coalition' on a prison in Yemen has left at least 33 dead.