Telegraph: Houthis Trained in Iran, Ali Khamenei Personally Oversees Group's Equipment and Actions

The British newspaper Telegraph reported on Wednesday, January 10, citing its intelligence sources within Iran, that the Houthi group from Yemen has been trained at the 'Khamenei Marine Science and Technology University' in Zibakenar, Rasht, and that Ali Khamenei personally oversees their activities. The report specified that Ali Khamenei, the leader of the Islamic Republic, has played a 'central and personal role' in the Houthis' actions in the Red Sea and has ordered that more weapons and equipment be provided to this rebel group. According to the Telegraph, about 200 members of this Yemeni group, which is currently attacking passing ships in the Red Sea, have received necessary training in Iran through the Revolutionary Guards at the Khamenei Marine Science and Technology University in Zibakenar. The newspaper added that this university is conducting six-month training courses for the Islamic Republic's proxy forces, including the Houthis, with the first training course for the Houthis having been held in January 2020. The Khamenei Marine Science and Technology University is a military academy affiliated with the Navy of the Islamic Revolutionary Guard Corps, located in the Zibakenar area of Rasht. This academy was established on September 6, 2013, and consists of four faculties: the Navigation Faculty, the Missile Faculty, the Air Support Faculty, and the Seyyed al-Shuhada Special Forces Faculty. Ali Fadavi, the commander of the IRGC Navy, had previously stated that the 'Imam Khamenei Marine University' was established by merging the IRGC Navy's Missile Faculty in Shiraz, the Navigation Faculty in Chalus, and other faculties of this force to challenge the naval capabilities of other countries. U.S. Secretary of State Antony Blinken warned the Houthis and the Islamic Republic on Wednesday that the continued attacks by the Iran-backed Houthis on commercial shipping lines in the Red Sea would have 'consequences.' However, Abdul Salam al-Houthi, the spokesman for the Yemeni Houthi group, responded to global calls to stop attacks on free shipping by stating, 'Anyone who tries to hinder our operations will face a response.' According to Iranian domestic media, the Houthi spokesman also stated that this group would continue its offensive operations against ships in the Red Sea despite threats from U.S. officials. The United Nations Security Council also issued a resolution on Wednesday, calling on the Iran-backed Houthis to immediately cease attacks on shipping lines. Fifteen members of the Security Council voted in favor of the U.S. proposal with 11 votes in favor, four abstentions, and no votes against. John Kirby, the coordinator for strategic communications at the White House National Security Council, stated in a press conference on Wednesday regarding the U.S. resolution to the Security Council that the text of this resolution explicitly calls on the Houthis to stop these attacks and emphasizes the need for Security Council support for safe shipping and the safe passage of commercial vessels through the Red Sea. Kirby also added, 'The United States is not seeking conflict and calls for the safe and secure passage of commercial vessels through the Red Sea, but if this is not achieved, we will consult with our partners on next steps if necessary.' Blinken's warning to the Islamic Republic: support for the Houthis will have 'consequences.' Associated Press: concerns about the onset of a 'full-scale war' in the region have increased. The commander of the IRGC has threatened despite calls to stop destabilizing actions: we will attack the enemy 'from afar and near.' A global container shipping giant has warned its customers about the potential for 'major disruption' and is sending its ships with 'escorts' around the Red Sea. Blinken is discussing increasing humanitarian aid to Gaza and preventing the escalation of tensions in the region. The Houthis claim: 'We have guaranteed maritime transport security; the U.S. is a threat to shipping in international waters.' The Houthis' attack failed one day after the 'final warning' from the U.S. and its allies. The UK has warned about the continuation of attacks in the Red Sea: 'International action' is forthcoming. The Security Council condemned the Houthis' attacks on ships in the Red Sea and called for their cessation. The International Maritime Organization condemned the Houthis' attacks on ships in the Red Sea.