Yemen’s Houthi rebels voice support for Iran, insist any decision to join war won’t be dictated by Tehran

Yemen’s Iran-allied Houthi rebels repeated their support for the Islamic Republic despite not taking part in the war against the United States and Israel, stressing that any decision to join the fight would be made independently and not dictated by Tehran, according to Houthi officials.

Three Houthi officials tell the Associated Press that the group is historically and religiously connected with Iran, calling it an ally of Yemen, but taking part in the war will be solely a Yemeni decision. The officials speak on condition of anonymity because they aren’t authorized to speak to the media.

Houthi attacks on vessels during the Israel-Hamas war upended shipping in the Red Sea, through which about $1 trillion worth of goods passed each year before the war. The rebels also fired drones at Israel.